hue² (hyu:) •n. a shouting; outcry: now only in HUE AND CRY (see phrase below) hue and cry [Anglo-Norm hu e cri] 1 orig., a) a loud shout or cry by those pursuing a felon: all who heard were obliged to join in the pursuit b) the pursuit itself 2 any loud outcry or clamor [ME hu < OFr, a warning interj.]

hued (hyu:d) •adj. having some (specified) shade or intensity of color or (a specified number of) colors {rosy-hued, many-hued} [ME hewed, pp. of heowien, to color < OE heowian < heow: see HUE¹]

huevos rancheros (wei´vous ræn cher´ous) fried eggs with a creole sauce, a Mexican dish popular in the U.S.

huff (hûf) •vt. 1 orig., to blow, swell, or puff up 2 to treat insolently; bully; hector 3 to make angry; offend •vi. 1 to blow; puff 2 to become angry; take offense 3 [Obs.] to swell with pride or arrogance •n. a condition of smoldering anger or resentment [echoic]

huffish (hûf´ish) •adj. 1 peevish; petulant; sulky 2 [Obs.] inclined to be arrogant huff´ish·ly •adv. huff´ish·ness •n. [prec. + -ISH]

huffy (hûf´i:) huff´i·er, huff´i·est •adj. 1 easily offended; touchy 2 angered or offended 3 [Obs.] arrogant huff´i·ly •adv. huff´i·ness •n.

Hufuf (hu fu:f´) alt. sp. of HOFUF

hug (hûg) hugged, hug´ging •vt. 1 to put the arms around and hold closely; esp., to embrace tightly and affectionately 2 to squeeze tightly between the forelegs, as a bear does 3 to cling to or cherish (a belief, opinion, etc.) 4 to keep close to {to hug the shoreline in sailing} •vi. to clasp or embrace each other closely •n. 1 a close, affectionate embrace 2 a tight clasp or hold with the arms, as in wrestling 3 a bear's squeeze hug´ga·ble •adj. hug´ger •n. Etymology [prob. via dial. < ON hugga, to comfort, console]

huge (hyu:j; also yu:j) hug´er, hug´est •adj. very large; gigantic; immense SYN. ENORMOUS huge´ly •adv. huge´ness •n. [ME < OFr ahuge, ahoge, prob. < a, to + hoge, hill < ON haugr: for IE base see HIGH]

huggermugger (hûg´эr mûg'эr) •n. 1 a confusion; muddle; jumble 2 [Archaic] secrecy •adj. 1 confused; muddled; jumbled 2 [Archaic] secret •adv. 1 in a confused or jumbled manner 2 [Archaic] secretly •vt. to keep secret •vi. to behave in a secretive or confused way [earlier also hokermoker, apparently rhyming comp. based on ME mokeren, to hoard, conceal > the basic sense secrecy]

Huggins (hûg´inz), Sir William 1824-1910; Eng. astronomer

Hugh (hyu:) a masculine name: var. Hugo

Hugh Capet see CAPET, Hugh

Hughes (hyu:z) 1 Charles Evans 1862-1948; U.S. statesman & jurist: chief justice (1930-41) 2 Howard (Robard) 1905-75; U.S. businessman 3 (James) Lang·ston (læŋ´stэn) 1902-67; U.S. poet & writer 4 Ted (born Edward James Hughes) 1930- ; Eng. poet: poet laureate (1984- )

Hugo (hyu:´gou) 1 a masculine name: see HUGH 2 (hyu:´gou; Fr ü gou´), Vic·tor Ma·rie (vi:k tôř´ må ři:´) 1802-85; Fr. poet, novelist, & playwright

Huguenot (hyu:´gэ nät') •n. any French Protestant of the 16th or 17th cent. [MFr, orig., supporter of group in Geneva opposing annexation to Savoy: altered (after Hugues Besançon, leader of the group) < earlier eidgnot < Ger eidgenosse, a confederate, ally: name later applied to Protestants in reference to the Calvinist Reformation in Geneva]

huh (hû, hûñ) •interj. an exclamation used to express contempt, surprise, etc., or to ask a question

Huhehot (hu:´hei´hout´) old form of HOHHOT

huipil (wi: pi:l´) •n. a loose, often colorfully embroidered garment worn as by Indian women of Mexico and Guatemala [AmSp < Nahuatl]

huisache (wi: sä´chi:', -chei') •n. a spiny plant (Acacia farnesiana) of the mimosa family, native to Texas and Mexico, with fragrant yellow flowers used in perfumery [AmSp < Nahuatl wiša:čin < huitztli, a spine + izachi, plentiful]

Huizinga (hai´ziŋ э), Jo·han (you hän´) 1872-1945; Du. historian

hula (hu:´lэ) •n. a native Hawaiian dance marked by flowing, pantomimic gestures Also hu´la-hu´la [Haw]

Hula-Hoop (hu:´lэ hu:p') trademark for a light hoop twirled around the body in play or exercise by rotating the hips hula hoop such a hoop [< prec. + HOOP]

hulk (hûlk) •n. 1 a) orig., any ship b) a big, unwieldy ship 2 a) the hull of an old, dismantled ship b) such a ship used for storage in a port or, earlier, as a prison c) a deserted wreck or ruins 3 a big, clumsy person or thing •vi. 1 to rise bulkily: usually with up 2 [Dial.] to slouch or lounge about in a heavy, clumsy manner [ME < OE hulc < ML hulcus < Gr holkas, towed vessel < IE *solkos, a pull, something dragged < base *selk-, to pull > Gr hēlkein, to pull, OE sulh, a plow]

hulking (hûlk´iŋ) •adj. large, heavy, and often unwieldy or clumsy Also hulk´y (-ki:)

Hull (hûl) 1 seaport in Humberside, England, on the Humber estuary: pop. 269,000: officially Kingston upon Hull 2 city in SW Quebec, Canada; pop. 61,000 [after district in Yorkshire, England] Hull (hûl), Cor·dell (kör´del) 1871-1955; U.S. statesman: secretary of state (1933-44)

hull¹ (hûl) •n. 1 the outer covering of a seed or fruit, as the husk of grain, pod of peas, shell of nuts, etc. 2 the calyx of some fruits, as the raspberry 3 any outer covering •vt. to take the hull or hulls off (a seed or fruit) hull´er •n. [ME hule < OE hulu, akin to Ger hülle, covering: for IE base see HALL]

hull² (hûl) •n. 1 the frame or body of a ship, excluding the masts, rigging, superstructure, etc. 2 a) the main body of an airship b) the watertight frame or main body of a flying boat, amphibious plane or vehicle, hydrofoil, etc., on which it floats when in the water •vt. to pierce the hull of (a ship) with a shell, torpedo, etc. hull down far enough away so that the hull is below the horizon and only the masts, stacks, etc. are visible [special use of prec., prob. infl. by Du hol, ship's hold]

hullabaloo (hûl´э bэ lu:') •n. loud noise and confusion; hubbub [echoic dupl. based on HULLO]

Hull-House (hûl´haus') a social settlement house founded in Chicago in 1889 by Jane Addams

hullo (hэ lou´) •interj., n., vt., vi. HELLO

hum¹ (hûm) hummed, hum´ming •vi. 1 to make a low, continuous, murmuring sound like that of a bee or a motor 2 to sing with the lips closed, not producing words 3 to give forth a confused, droning sound {a room humming with voices} 4 [Colloq.] to be busy or full of activity •vt. 1 to sing (a tune, etc.) with the lips closed 2 to produce an effect on by humming {to hum a child to sleep} •n. 1 the act of humming 2 a continuous, murmuring sound hum´mer •n. [ME hummen, of echoic orig., as in Ger hummel, bumblebee, MDu hommeln, hum]

hum² (hэm: conventionalized pronun.) •interj., n. 1 HEM² 2 HUMPH •vi. hummed, hum´ming HEM²

human (hyu:´mэn; also yu:´-) •adj. 1 of, belonging to, or typical of man (Homo sapiens) {the human race} 2 consisting of or produced by people {human society} 3 having or showing qualities, as rationality or fallibility, viewed as distinctive of people {a human act, a human failing} •n. a person: the phrase human being is still preferred by some hu´man·ness •n. [ME humayne < OFr humaine < L humanus, akin to homo, a man: see HOMO¹]

human growth hormone GROWTH HORMONE (sense 1)

human nature 1 the common qualities of all human beings 2 Sociology the pattern of responses inculcated by the tradition of the social group

human potential movement a movement in psychology that includes group therapy, encounter therapy, primal therapy, etc., is based mainly on Freudian and Gestalt psychology, and is aimed at self-realization

human resources a department in a company or institution that looks after personnel records, company benefits, hiring and training of employees, etc.; personnel department

humane (hyu: mein´; also yu:-) •adj. 1 having what are considered the best qualities of human beings; kind, tender, merciful, sympathetic, etc. 2 civilizing; humanizing {humane learning} hu·mane´ly •adv. hu·mane´ness •n. [earlier var. of prec., now usually assoc. directly with L humanus]

humanism (hyu:´mэ niz'эm; also, yu:´-) •n. 1 the quality of being human; human nature 2 any system of thought or action based on the nature, interests, and ideals of man; specif., a modern, nontheistic, rationalist movement that holds that man is capable of self-fulfillment, ethical conduct, etc. without recourse to supernaturalism 3 the study of the humanities 4 [H-] the intellectual and cultural secular movement that stemmed from the study of classical literature and culture during the Middle Ages and was one of the factors giving rise to the Renaissance

humanist (-nist) •n. 1 a student of human nature and human affairs 2 a student of the humanities 3 an adherent of any system of humanism 4 [H-] a follower of Humanism •adj. of humanism or the humanities hu'man·is´tic •adj. hu'man·is´ti·cal·ly •adv. [< Fr humaniste < It umanista (coined by Ludovico ARIOSTO) < umano, a human < L humanus, HUMAN]

humanitarian (hyu: mæn'э ter´i: эn; also yu:-) •n. 1 a person devoted to promoting the welfare of humanity, esp. through the elimination of pain and suffering; philanthropist 2 an adherent of HUMANITARIANISM (sense 2) •adj. 1 helping humanity 2 of humanitarianism SYN. PHILANTHROPIC

humanitarianism (-iz'эm) •n. 1 the beliefs or actions of a HUMANITARIAN (sense 1) 2 Ethics a) the doctrine that humanity's chief or only obligations are to its temporal welfare b) the doctrine that a human being is capable of perfection without divine aid

humanity (hyu: mæn´э ti:; also yu:-) pl. -ties •n. 1 the fact or quality of being human; human nature 2 [pl.] human qualities or characteristics, esp. those considered desirable 3 the human race; mankind; people 4 the fact or quality of being humane; kindness, mercy, sympathy, etc. the humanities 1 languages and literature, esp. the classical Greek and Latin 2 the branches of learning concerned with human thought and relations, as distinguished from the sciences; esp., literature, philosophy, history, etc. [ME humanite < OFr < L humanitas]

humanize (hyu:´mэ naiz'; also yu:´-) -ized', -iz'ing •vt. 1 to make human; give a human nature or character to 2 to make humane; make kind, merciful, considerate, etc.; civilize; refine •vi. to become human or humane hu'man·i·za´tion •n. hu´man·iz'er •n.

humankind (hyu:´mэn kaind'; also yu:-) •n. the human race; mankind; people

humanly (hyu:´mэn li:) •adv. 1 in a human manner 2 within human ability or knowledge 3 from a human viewpoint

humanoid (hyu:´mэ noid') •adj. nearly human, as in appearance or behavior •n. a nearly human creature; specif., a) any of the earliest ancestors of modern man b) in science fiction, an alien from outer space or a robot that physically resembles a human being [HUMAN + -OID]

Humber (hûm´bэr) estuary in NE England, formed by the Ouse & Trent rivers: c. 40 mi. (64 km) long

Humberside (-said') county of NE England, on the Humber estuary & the North Sea: 1,356 sq. mi. (3,512 sq. km); pop. 854,000

humble (hûm´bªl; also ûm´-) -bler, -blest •adj. 1 having or showing a consciousness of one's defects or shortcomings; not proud; not self-assertive; modest 2 low in condition, rank, or position; lowly; unpretentious {a humble home} •vt. -bled, -bling 1 to lower in condition, rank, or position; abase 2 to lower in pride; make modest or humble in mind SYN. DEGRADE hum´ble·ness •n. hum´bler •n. hum´bly •adv. Etymology [ME < OFr < L humilis, low, small, slight, akin to humus, soil, earth: see HUMUS]

humble pie [Historical] a pie made of the inner parts of a deer, served to the servants after a hunt eat humble pie to undergo humiliation, esp. that of admitting one's error and apologizing [earlier umble pie < umbles, entrails of a deer < ME noumbles: see NUMBLES]

humblebee (hûm´bэl bi:') •n. BUMBLEBEE [ME humbylbee < humblen, to hum, akin to hummen (see HUM¹) + bee]

Humboldt (hum´bôlt; E hûm´boult), Baron (Friedrich Heinrich) Al·ex·an·der von (ä'lek sän´dэř fôn) 1769-1859; Ger. scientist, explorer, & writer

Humboldt current the cold ocean current flowing north along the coasts of Chile and Peru [after prec.]

humbug (hûm´bûg') •n. 1 a) something made or done to cheat or deceive; fraud; sham; hoax b) misleading, dishonest, or empty talk; nonsense 2 a person who is not what he claims to be; impostor 3 a spirit of trickery, deception, etc. 4 [Brit.] a striped hard candy •vt. -bugged', -bug'ging to dupe; deceive •interj. nonsense! hum´bug'ger •n. hum´bug'ger·y •n. [18th-c. slang: orig. reference uncert.]

humdinger (hûm´diŋ´эr) •n. [Slang] a person or thing considered excellent of its kind [fanciful coinage]

humdrum (hûm´drûm') •adj. lacking variety; dull; monotonous; boring •n. humdrum talk, routine, etc.; monotony [echoic extension (infl. by DRUM¹) of HUM¹]

Hume (hyu:m), David 1711-76; Scot. philosopher & historian

humectant (hyu: mek´tэnt) •n. a substance, as glycerol, added or applied to another to help it retain moisture [< L humectans, var. of umectans, prp. of humectare, to moisten < umectus, moist < umere, to be moist: see HUMOR]

humeral (hyu:´mэr эl) •adj. 1 of or near the humerus 2 of or near the shoulder or shoulders [ModL humeralis < L humerus]

humeral veil Eccles. a long, narrow piece of cloth, usually of silk, worn over the shoulders and covering the hands as of a priest holding the monstrance at Benediction

humerus (hyu:´mэr эs) pl. -mer·i' (-ai) •n. the bone of the upper arm or forelimb, extending from the shoulder to the elbow: see SKELETON, illus. [L humerus, umerus, the shoulder, upper arm < IE *om(e)sos, the shoulder > Sans á##sa-, Gr ōmos]

humic (hyu:´mik) •adj. of or derived from humus

humic acid a brown powder consisting of organic acids, derived from humus

humid (hyu:´mid; also yu:´-) •adj. full of water vapor; damp; moist SYN. WET [Fr humide < L humidus < humere, altered (after humus) < umere, to be moist: see HUMOR]

humidify (hyu: mid´э fai'; also yu:-) -fied', -fy'ing •vt. to make humid; moisten; dampen hu·mid'i·fi·ca´tion •n. hu·mid´i·fi'er •n.

humidistat (-stæt') •n. an automatic device for controlling the extent to which a humidifier or dehumidifier modifies the relative humidity [fol. + -STAT]

humidity (hyu: mid´э ti:; also yu:-) pl. -ties •n. 1 moistness; dampness 2 the amount or degree of moisture in the air relative humidity the amount of moisture in the air as compared with the maximum amount that the air could contain at the same temperature, expressed as a percentage [ME humydite < OFr humidite < LL humiditas < L humidus: see HUMID]

humidor (hyu:´mэ dör') •n. 1 a device, as a tube containing a moistened sponge, for keeping the air moist in a tobacco jar, cigar case, etc. 2 a case, jar, etc. equipped with such a device [HUMID + -OR]

humiliate (hyu: mil´i: eit'; also yu:-) -at'ed, -at'ing •vt. to hurt the pride or dignity of by causing to be or seem foolish or contemptible; mortify SYN. DEGRADE hu·mil'i·a´tion •n. [< LL humiliatus, pp. of humiliare, to humiliate < L humilis, HUMBLE]

humility (hyu: mil´э ti:; also yu:-) •n. the state or quality of being humble; absence of pride or self-assertion [ME humilite < OFr < L humilitas]

hummer (hûm´эr) •n. 1 a person or thing that hums Æ 2 HUMMINGBIRD

humming (hûm´iŋ) •adj. 1 that buzzes, drones, or hums 2 [Colloq.] full of activity; lively; brisk

hummingbird (hûm´iŋ børd') •n. any of a large family (Trochilidae, order Apodiformes) of very small, brightly colored, New World birds with a long, slender bill for feeding on nectar, and narrow wings that vibrate rapidly, often with a humming sound

hummock (hûm´эk) •n. 1 a low, rounded hill; knoll; hillock 2 a ridge or rise in an ice field Æ 3 a tract of fertile, heavily wooded land, higher than a surrounding marshy area Æ hum´mock·y •adj. [orig. naut. < ?]

hummus (hûm´эs, hum´эs) •n. a Middle Eastern dish, a paste of mashed chickpeas, tahini, garlic, etc., eaten as an appetizer Also sp. hum´us [Turk humus]

humongous (hyu: mäŋ´gэs, -mûŋ´-) •adj. [Slang] of enormous size or extent; very large or great [prob. a blend and alteration of HUGE + MONSTROUS]

humor (hyu:´mэr; also, yu:´-) •n. 1 any fluid or juice of an animal or plant; esp., any of the four fluids (cardinal humors) formerly considered responsible for one's health and disposition; blood, phlegm, choler, or melancholy 2 a) a person's disposition or temperament b) a mood; state of mind 3 whim; fancy; caprice 4 the quality that makes something seem funny, amusing, or ludicrous; comicality 5 a) the ability to perceive, appreciate, or express what is funny, amusing, or ludicrous b) the expression of this in speech, writing, or action 6 any fluid or fluidlike substance of the body; blood, lymph, bile, etc. {the aqueous humor} •vt. 1 to comply with the mood or whim of (another); indulge 2 to act in agreement with the nature of; adapt oneself to SYN. INDULGE, MOOD¹, WIT¹ out of humor not in a good mood; cross; disagreeable hu´mor·less •adj. [ME < OFr < L humor, umor, moisture, fluid, akin to umere, to be moist < IE base *wegw-, *ugw-, moist, moisten, WAKE², Gr hygros, moist, fluid, Du wak, wet]

humoral (hyu:´mэr эl) •adj. of or relating to the humors of the body [ModL (Paracelsus) humoralis < L humor]

humoresque (hyu:'mэr esk´) •n. a light, fanciful or playful musical composition; capriccio [Ger humoreske < humor (see HUMOR, n. 3) + -eske, -ESQUE]

humorist (hyu:´mэr ist; also yu:´-) •n. 1 [Archaic] a person with a good sense of humor 2 a person skilled in the expression of humor; esp., a professional writer or teller of amusing stories, jokes, etc. hu'mor·is´tic •adj. [HUMOR + -IST]

humorous (hyu:´mэr эs; also yu:´-) •adj. 1 having or expressing humor; funny; amusing; comical 2 [Archaic] whimsical; capricious 3 [Obs.] a) moist b) humoral SYN. WITTY hu´mor·ous·ly •adv. [HUMOR + -OUS; sense 2 < Fr humoreux (< L), sense 3 < L humorosus]

humour (hyu:´mэr) •n., vt. Brit. sp. of HUMOR

hump (hûmp) •n. 1 a rounded, protruding lump, as the fleshy mass on the back of a camel: see KYPHOSIS 2 a hummock; mound 3 [Brit. Colloq.] a fit of melancholy: with the •vt. 1 to hunch; arch {the cat humped its back} 2 [Austral. Colloq.] to carry on the back 3 [Slang] to have sexual intercourse with Æ vi. [Slang] 1 to exert oneself 2 to hurry Æ over the hump [Colloq.] over the worst or most difficult part [< or akin to LowG humpe, thick piece < IE *kumb- (< base *keu-, to bend, curve) > HIP¹, Sans kumba-, thick end (of a bone), Gr kymbē, a bowl]

humpback (hûmp´bæk') •n. 1 a humped, deformed back; kyphosis 2 a person having a humped back; hunchback Æ 3 a large rorqual whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) with long flippers and a raised, rounded back Æ 4 a male pink salmon at the time it travels up rivers to spawn hump´backed' •adj.

humped (hûmpt) •adj. having a hump; humpbacked

Humperdinck (hum´pэř diŋk'; E hûm´pэr diŋk'), Eng·el·bert (eŋ´gэl beřt') 1854-1921; Ger. composer

humph (hûmf: conventionalized pronun.) •interj., n. a snorting or grunting sound expressing doubt, surprise, disdain, disgust, etc.

Humphrey (hûm´fri:) a masculine name: equiv. Ger. Humfried, It. Onfredo: also sp. Hum´phry [OE Hunfrith < Gmc *hun, strength + OE frith, peace]

Humpty Dumpty (hûmp´ti: dûmp´ti:) a short, squat character in an old nursery rhyme, a personification of an egg, who fell from a wall and broke into pieces

humpy (hûmp´i:) hump´i·er, hump´i·est •adj. 1 having humps 2 like a hump

humus (hyu:´mэs; also yu:´-) •n. a brown or black substance resulting from the partial decay of plant and animal matter; organic part of the soil [L, earth, ground, soil < IE *Ghom-: see HOMO¹]

Hun (hûn) •n. 1 a member of a warlike Asiatic people who, led by Attila and others, invaded eastern and central Europe in the 4th and 5th cent. A.D. 2 [often h-] any savage or destructive person; vandal: term of contempt applied to German soldiers, esp. in World War I [OE Hune < LL Hunni (pl.) < native name > Chin Hiong-nu, Han]

Hunan (hu:´nän´) province of SE China: 81,274 sq. mi. (211,132 sq. km); pop. 54,008,000; cap. Changsha

hunch (hûnch) •vt. to draw (one's body, etc.) up so as to form a hump; arch into a hump •vi. 1 to move forward jerkily; push; shove 2 to sit or stand with the back arched •n. 1 a hump 2 a chunk; lump; hunk Æ 3 a guess or feeling not based on known facts; premonition or suspicion: from the superstition that it brings good luck to touch a hunchback [< ?]

hunchback (hûnch´bæk') •n. HUMPBACK (senses 1 & 2) hunch´backed' •adj.

hundred (hûn´drэd; often, -dэrd) •n. 1 the cardinal number next above ninety-nine; ten times ten; 100; C 2 a division of an English county: orig., probably, 100 hides of land 3 a similar division in the early U.S., now only in Delaware •adj. ten times ten [ME < OE, akin to OS hunderod, ON hundrath < PGmc base *hund-, 100 (< IE base *k##to- > Gr hekaton, L centum: see CENT, SATEM) + *rath-, to count (> Goth -rathjan) < IE base *rē-: see REASON]

Hundred Days the days from March 20 to June 28, 1815, the period from Napoleon's recapture of power, after his escape from Elba, to his final defeat

Hundred Years' War a series of English-French wars (1337 to 1453), in which England lost all its possessions in France except Calais (lost to France in 1558)

hundredfold (-fould') •adj. having a hundred times as much or as many •adv. a hundred times as much or as many: with a (or, British, an) •n. a number or an amount a hundred times as great [HUNDRED + -FOLD]

hundredth (hûn´drэdθ) •adj. 1 preceded by ninety-nine others in a series; 100th 2 designating any of the hundred equal parts of something •n. 1 the one following the ninety-ninth 2 any of the hundred equal parts of something; ¹/100 •adv. in the hundredth place, rank, group, etc. [HUNDRED + -TH²]

hundredweight (hûn´drэd weit') •n. a unit of weight equal to 100 pounds (45.359 kilograms) in the U.S. and 112 pounds (50.8 kilograms) in Great Britain and Canada: abbrev. cwt

hung (hûŋ) •vt., vi. pt. & pp. of HANG Æ hung over [Slang] suffering from a hangover Æ hung up (on) [Slang] 1 emotionally disturbed (by); neurotic, repressed, etc. 2 baffled, frustrated, stymied, etc. (by) 3 addicted or committed (to), or obsessed (by) Hung 1 Hungarian 2 Hungary

Hungarian (hûŋ ger´i: эn, hûn-) •n. 1 a native or inhabitant of Hungary 2 the Finno-Ugric language of the Hungarians; Magyar •adj. designating or of Hungary, its people, their language, or culture

Hungary (hûŋ´gэr i:) country in SC Europe: 35,911 sq. mi. (93,032 sq. km); pop. 10,700,000; cap. Budapest: Hung. name MAGYARORSZÁG

hunger (hûŋ´gэr) •n. 1 a) the discomfort, pain, or weakness caused by a need for food b) famine; starvation 2 a desire, need, or appetite for food 3 any strong desire; craving •vi. 1 to feel hunger; be hungry; need food 2 to have a strong desire; crave: with for or after •vt. [Rare] to subject to hunger; starve [ME < OE hungor, akin to Ger hunger < IE base *kenk-, to burn, dry up > Lith kankà, pain]

hunger strike a form of protest in which a prisoner or demonstrator refuses to eat until certain demands are met

Hungnam (huŋ´näm´) seaport in E North Korea, on the Sea of Japan: pop. 150,000

hungry (hûŋ´gri:) -gri·er, -gri·est •adj. 1 feeling, having, or showing hunger; specif., a) wanting or needing food b) craving; eager {hungry for praise} 2 [Rare] producing hunger 3 not fertile; barren: said of soil hun´gri·ly (-grэ li:) •adv. hun´gri·ness (-gri: nis) •n. Etymology [ME < OE hungrig]

hunh (hэñ) •interj. an exclamation used in asking a question or as a snort expressing anger, contempt, etc.

hunk (hûŋk) •n. [Colloq.] 1 a large piece, lump, or slice of bread, meat, etc.; chunk 2 a sexually attractive man, esp. one who is large and well-built [Fl hunke, hunk]

hunker (hûŋ´kэr) •vi. to settle down on one's haunches; squat or crouch: often with down •n. [pl.] 1 haunches 2 buttocks; rump [orig. dial., prob. < or akin to Faroese hokna, to crouch < ON hokra, to creep < IE *keuk- (< base *keu-, to bend) > Sans čúčīm, to cower]

hunks (hûŋks) pl. hunks •n. [Now Rare] a stingy, disagreeable, surly person [< ?]

hunky (hûŋ´ki:) pl. -kies [Slang] a person from EC Europe; esp., a person of Hungarian extraction: a vulgar term of hostility and contempt: also sp. hun´kie, hun´key •n. [? altered < HUNGARIAN]

hunky-dory (hûŋ´ki: dör´i:) •adj. [Slang] all right; fine [hunky (< U.S. local hunk, goal, home, as in the game of tag, hence safe place, all right < Du honk, a post, station, goal) + -dory < ?]

Hunnish (hûn´ish) •adj. 1 of or like the Huns 2 barbarous; savage and destructive

hunt (hûnt) •vt. 1 to go out to kill or catch (game) for food or sport 2 to search eagerly or carefully for; try to find 3 a) to pursue; chase; drive b) to hound; harry; persecute 4 a) to go through (a woods, fields, etc.) in pursuit of game b) to search (a place) carefully 5 to use (dogs or horses) in chasing game •vi. 1 to go out after game; take part in the chase 2 to search; seek 3 Bell Ringing to change the order of bells in a hunt: cf. HUNT (n. 5) •n. 1 the act of hunting; the chase 2 a group of people who hunt together 3 a district covered in hunting 4 a search 5 Bell Ringing a series of regularly varying sequences in ringing a group of from five to twelve bells hunt down 1 to pursue until successful in catching or killing 2 to search for until successful in finding hunt up 1 to hunt for; search for 2 to find by searching [ME hunten < OE huntian, prob. < base of hentan, to seize < ? IE *kend-, var. of *kent- > Goth (fra)hinthan, to seize: see HAND]

hunter (hûnt´эr) •n. 1 a person who hunts 2 a dog trained for hunting 3 a horse trained to carry a rider over open country, as in fox hunting 4 a watch with a hunting case [ME huntere]

hunter green a dark, slightly yellowish, green

hunter-gatherer (-gæð´эr эr) •n. Anthrop. a member of a culture that supplies its food by hunting game and gathering berries, roots, etc. rather than by raising crops or livestock

hunter's moon the full moon after the harvest moon

hunting (hûnt´iŋ) •n. 1 the act of a person or animal that hunts 2 a periodic oscillation of the rotor of a synchronous electrical machine about its average position 3 a periodic oscillation in the controlled function of any feedback control system, as a thermostat, caused by fluctuation in the control system 4 any similar fluctuation, as of a control surface, compass, indicator, etc. •adj. of or for hunting [ME < OE huntung]

hunting case a watchcase with a hinged cover to protect the crystal

hunting horn a signaling horn used during a hunt

hunting knife a large, sharp knife used by hunters to skin and cut up game

Huntingdonshire (hûn´tiŋ dэn shir') former county in EC England, now part of Cambridgeshire: also Hun´ting·don or Hunts

Huntington (hûn´tiŋ tэn) city in W W.Va., on the Ohio River: pop. 55,000 [after Collis Porter HUNTINGTON, its founder] Huntington (hûn´tiŋ tэn) 1 Collis Porter 1821-1900; U.S. railroad builder 2 Samuel 1731-96; Am. statesman: signer of the Declaration of Independence

Huntington Beach city in SW Calif.: suburb of Los Angeles: pop. 182,000 [after H. E. Huntington, U.S. railroad executive]

Huntington Park city in SW Calif.: pop. 56,000

Huntington's chorea a progressive hereditary chorea, accompanied by increasing mental deterioration: also Huntington's disease [after G. Huntington (1851-1916), U.S. physician]

huntress (hûn´tris) •n. a woman or girl who hunts

huntsman (hûnts´mэn) pl. -men (-mэn) •n. 1 a hunter 2 the manager of a hunt, in charge of the hounds

hunt's-up (hûnts'ûp´) •n. a rousing tune played on a hunting horn to get the hunters out [contr. < the hunt is up (i.e., the hunt is starting)]

Huntsville (hûnts´vil') city in N Ala.: pop. 160,000 [after J. Hunt, its first settler (1805)]

Hunyadi (hu´nyä di:), Já·nos (jä´nôsh) 1387-1456; Hung. general & national hero Also sp. Hu´nya·dy

Huon pine (hyu:´än'-) a large Tasmanian tree (Dacrydium franklinii) of the podocarp family, with scalelike leaves and fragrant, soft wood used for furniture [after the Huon River in Tasmania]

hup (hûp) •interj. a syllable called out in indicating a cadence as for marching or calisthenics [prob. alt. of ONE]

Hupa (hu:´pä', -pэ) •n. 1 any member of a tribe of North American Indians of NW California 2 their Athabaskan language

Hupeh or Hupei (hu:´bei´, -pei´) old form of HUBEI

hurdle (hørd´ªl) •n. 1 [Chiefly Brit.] a portable frame made of interlaced twigs, etc., used as a temporary fence or enclosure 2 a kind of frame or sled on which prisoners in England were drawn through the streets to execution 3 any of a series of framelike barriers over which horses or runners must leap in a special race (the hurdles) 4 a difficulty to be overcome; obstacle •vt. -dled, -dling 1 to enclose or fence off with hurdles 2 to jump over (a barrier), as in a race 3 to overcome (an obstacle) hur´dler •n. [ME hirdel < OE hyrdel < Gmc base *hurd-, wickerwork, hurdle, akin to hyrd, door, Frank *hurda, a pen, fold < IE base *kert-, to plait, twist together > L cratis (see CRATE), Gr kyrtos, bird cage]

hurdy-gurdy (hør´di: gør´di:) pl. -gur´dies •n. 1 an early instrument shaped like a lute or viol but played by turning a crank attached to a rosined wheel that causes the strings to vibrate 2 popularly, a barrel organ [prob. echoic]

hurl (hørl) •vt. 1 to throw or fling with force or violence 2 to cast down; overthrow 3 to utter vehemently {to hurl insults} Æ 4 [Colloq.] Baseball to pitch •vi. 1 to throw or fling something 2 to move with force or violence; rush Æ 3 [Colloq.] Baseball to pitch •n. a hurling SYN. THROW hurl´er •n. [ME hurlen, prob. of ON echoic orig. as in Dan hurle, to whir, Norw hurla, to buzz]

hurling (hørl´iŋ) •n. an Irish game resembling field hockey [< prec.]

hurly (hørl´i:) •n. [Archaic] uproar; turmoil [< HURL]

hurly-burly (hørl´i: børl´i:) pl. -burl´ies •n. a turmoil; uproar; hubbub; confusion •adj. disorderly and confused [prob. extended < prec.]

Huron (hyur´än', -эn) pl. -rons or -ron •n. 1 a member of a confederation of Indian tribes that lived between Georgian Bay and Lake Ontario, Canada, and now live in Oklahoma and Quebec 2 their Iroquoian language [Fr huron, coarse fellow, ruffian < hure, unkempt head] Huron , Lake second largest of the Great Lakes, between Mich. & Ontario, Canada: 24,328 sq. mi. (63,000 sq. km); 247 mi. (398 km) long

hurrah (hэ rä´, -rö´) •interj. a shout of joy, triumph, approval, etc. •n. 1 a shouting of hurrah 2 excitement, tumult, commotion, etc. •vi., vt. to shout hurrah (for); cheer Also hur·ray´ (-rei´) [ult. of echoic orig.]

hurricane (hør´i kein', -kэn) •n. 1 a violent tropical cyclone with winds moving at 73 or more miles per hour, often accompanied by torrential rains, and originating usually in the West Indian region: winds of hurricane force sometimes occur in the absence of a hurricane system: see BEAUFORT SCALE 2 anything like a hurricane in force and speed [Sp huracán < WInd (Taino) huracan]

hurricane deck the upper deck of a passenger ship, esp. of a river steamer

hurricane lamp 1 an oil lamp or candlestick with a tall glass chimney to keep the flame from being blown out 2 an electric lamp in imitation of this

hurried (hør´i:d) •adj. in a hurry; rushed or rushing; hasty hur´ried·ly (-i:d li:, -id-) •adv. hur´ried·ness •n.

hurry (hør´i:) -ried, -ry·ing •vt. 1 to cause to move or act more rapidly or too rapidly; drive, move, send, force, or carry with haste 2 to cause to occur or be done more rapidly or too rapidly; accelerate the preparation or completion of; urge on 3 to urge or cause to act soon or too soon •vi. to move or act with haste; move faster than is comfortable or natural •n. 1 a hurrying or being hurried; rush; urgency 2 eagerness to do, act, go, etc. quickly SYN. HASTE hur´ri·er •n. [prob. < echoic base seen in HURL or ? in ON hurra, to whir, whirl around]

hurry-scurry or hurry-skurry (-skør´i:) •n. an agitated, confused rushing about; disorderly confusion •vi. -ried, -ry·ing to hurry and scurry about; act hurriedly and confusedly •adj. hurried and confused •adv. in a hurried, confused manner; helter-skelter [redupl. of prec.]

hurst (hørst) •n. 1 a hillock, knoll, or mound 2 a grove or wooded hillock Now usually in place names, as Sandhurst [ME < OE hyrst, hillock, wooded mound, prob. < IE *kurs-to-, thicket: see HORST]

hurt (hørt) hurt, hurt´ing •vt. 1 to cause physical pain or injury to; wound 2 to harm or damage in some way; be bad for 3 to cause mental distress or pain to; wound the feelings of; offend •vi. 1 to cause injury, damage, or pain 2 to give or have the sensation of pain; be sore {a leg that hurts} 3 to be a source of inconvenience, difficulty, or trouble •n. 1 the act or an instance of hurting; pain, injury, or wound 2 harm, wrong, or damage 3 something that wounds the feelings •adj. injured; damaged {a sale of hurt books} SYN. INJURE [ME hurten, to knock, hurt < OFr hurter, to push, thrust, hit, prob. < Frank *hurt, a thrust, blow (as by a ram); akin to ON hrūtr, a ram]

hurtful (hørt´fэl) •adj. causing hurt; harmful hurt´ful·ly •adv. hurt´ful·ness •n.

hurtle (hørt´ªl) -tled, -tling •vi. 1 orig., to dash (against or together) with great force or crushing impact; collide 2 to move swiftly and with great force •vt. to throw, shoot, or fling with great force; hurl •n. [Old Poet.] the act of hurtling; collision; clash [ME hurtlen, freq. of ME hurten: see HURT]

hurtleberry (hørt´ªl ber'i:) pl. -ries •n. 1 WHORTLEBERRY Æ 2 HUCKLEBERRY [ME hurtilberye < OE horte, a whortleberry (+ -il suffix) + ME berie, BERRY]

hurtless (hørt´lis) •adj. 1 causing no hurt; harmless 2 [Archaic] unhurt

Hus (hus), Jan (yån) Czech name of John HUSS

husband (hûz´bэnd) •n. 1 a) a man with reference to the woman to whom he is married b) any married man 2 [Archaic] a manager, as of a household •vt. 1 to manage economically; conserve 2 [Archaic] to provide with a husband or become the husband of; marry 3 [Archaic] to cultivate (soil or plants) [ME husbonde, householder, husband < Late OE husbonda < ON hūsbondi, lit., householder < hūs, HOUSE + bondi, freeholder, yeoman < earlier būandi, prp. of būa, to dwell: see BONDAGE]

husbandman (hûz´bэnd mэn) pl. -men (-mэn) •n. [Archaic] a farmer [ME: see HUSBAND]

husbandry (hûz´bэn dri:) •n. 1 orig., management of domestic affairs, resources, etc. 2 careful, thrifty management; thrift; frugality 3 the science or art of farming: see ANIMAL HUSBANDRY [ME husbonderie: see HUSBAND]

hush (hûsh) •vt. 1 to stop from making noise; make quiet or silent 2 to soothe; calm; lull •vi. to stop making noise; be or become quiet or silent •adj. [Archaic] silent; hushed •n. absence of noise; quiet; silence •interj. an exclamation calling for silence hush up 1 to keep quiet 2 to keep from being told; suppress the report or discussion of [ME huschen < huscht, quiet (mistaken as pp.): of echoic orig.]

hush money money paid to a person to keep him or her from telling something

Hush Puppies trademark for a kind of shoe with soft leather or suede uppers [h- p-] such a pair of shoes

hush puppy a small, fried ball of cornmeal dough [< ?]

hushaby (hûsh´э bai') •interj. an exclamation once used to hush infants [see HUSH & LULLABY]

hush-hush (hûsh´hûsh´) •adj. [Colloq.] very secret; most confidential

husk (hûsk) •n. 1 the dry outer covering of various fruits or seeds, as of an ear of corn 2 the dry, rough, or useless outside covering of anything •vt. to remove the husk or husks from husk´er •n. [ME huske, prob. < MDu huuskijn, dim. of huus, HOUSE]

husking (bee) (hûs´kiŋ) CORNHUSKING (sense 2)

husk-tomato (hûsk´tэ meit´ou) pl. -toes •n. GROUND-CHERRY

husky¹ (hûs´ki:) pl. -kies •n. [also H-] a dog of any of several breeds for pulling sleds in the Arctic; esp., the SIBERIAN HUSKY [shortened < a 19th-c. var. of ESKIMO]

husky² (hûs´ki:) husk´i·er, husk´i·est •adj. 1 a) full of, containing, or consisting of husks b) like a husk 2 sounding deep and hoarse; rough {a husky voice} Æ 3 big and strong; robust; burly [with reference to the toughness of a HUSK] husk´ies pl.n.a husky person husk´i·ly •adv. husk´i·ness •n.

Huss (hûs), John c. 1369-1415; Bohemian religious reformer and martyr, burned as a heretic

hussar (hu zär´, hэ-) •n. 1 orig., a member of the light cavalry of Hungary or Croatia 2 a member of any European regiment of light-armed cavalry, usually with brilliant dress uniforms [Hung huszár, orig., highwayman < Serb husar, gusar < It corsaro: see CORSAIR]

Hussein I (hu: sein´) 1935- ; king of Jordan (1952- )

Husserl (hus´эrl), Edmund 1859-1938; Ger. philosopher

Hussite (hûs´ait') •n. a follower of John Huss •adj. of John Huss or his religious beliefs

hussy (hûz´i:, hûs´-) pl. -sies •n. 1 a woman, esp. one of low morals: contemptuous or playful term 2 a bold, saucy girl or young woman; minx 3 [Dial.] a small sewing kit [contr. < ME huswife, housewife]

hustings (hûs´tiŋz) •n.pl. [usually with sing. v.] 1 orig., a) a deliberative assembly b) a court held in various English cities and still occasionally in London c) the platform in London Guildhall where such a court was formerly held d) the temporary platform where candidates for Parliament formerly stood for nomination and spoke 2 the proceedings at an election 3 any place where political campaign speeches are made 4 the route followed by a campaigner for political office [ME husting < OE < ON hūsthing, lit., house council < hūs, a house + thing, assembly (see THING): orig., a lord's household assembly as distinct from a general assembly]

hustle (hûs´эl) -tled, -tling •vt. 1 to push or knock about; shove or jostle in a rude, rough manner 2 to force in a rough, hurried manner {to hustle a rowdy customer out of a bar} Æ 3 [Colloq.] to cause to be done, prepared, sent, etc. quickly or too quickly; hurry Æ 4 [Slang] to get, sell, victimize, etc. by aggressive, often dishonest means •vi. 1 to push one's way; move hurriedly 2 [Colloq.] to work or act rapidly or energetically Æ 3 [Slang] a) to obtain money by aggressive or dishonest means b) to work as a prostitute •n. 1 the act of hustling; esp., rough jostling or shoving Æ 2 [Colloq.] energetic action or effort; drive Æ 3 [Slang] a way of making money, esp. a dishonest way [Du hutseln, husselen, to shake up (coins, lots), freq. of MDu hutsen, to shake]

hustler (hûs´lэr) •n. a person who hustles; specif., a) [Slang] one who obtains money dishonestly b) [Slang] PROSTITUTE (n. 1)

Huston (hyu:´stэn, yu:´-), John 1906-87; U.S. film director

hut (hût) •n. a little house or cabin of the plainest or crudest kind •vt., vi. hut´ted, hut´ting to shelter or be sheltered in or as in a hut or huts [Fr hutte < MHG hütte < OHG hutta: for IE base see HIDE¹]

hutch (hûch) •n. 1 a bin, chest, or box for storage Æ 2 a cabinet for china, with open shelves on top of drawers and cupboards 3 a pen or coop for small animals 4 a hut 5 a mining trough for washing ore 6 a car or truck for carrying ore out of a mine •vt. to store or put in or as in a hutch [ME hucche < OFr huche, bin, kneading trough < ML hutica, a chest]

Hutchins (hûch´inz), Robert May·nard (mei´nэrd) 1899-1977; U.S. educator

Hutchinson (hûch´in sэn) 1 Anne (born Anne Marbury) c. 1591-1643; Am. religious leader, born in England: a founder of Rhode Island 2 Thomas 1711-80; colonial governor of Mass. (1771-74)

hutment (hût´mэnt) •n. a hut or group of huts, as in an army camp [< HUT + -MENT]

Hutt (hût) urban area in S North Island, New Zealand, near Wellington: pop. 115,000

Hutterite (hût´эr ait') •n. any member of a group of Anabaptists, originally from Moravia, who live communally in the Dakotas, Montana, and Alberta, Canada, with beliefs and customs much like the Mennonites [< J. Hutter, 16th-c. Austrian religious reformer + -ITE¹]

hutzpah (huts´pэ, khuts´-; -pä) •n. CHUTZPAH

Huxley (hûks´li:) 1 Al·dous (Leonard) (öl´dэs) 1894-1963; Eng. novelist & essayist, in the U.S. after c. 1935 2 Andrew Fielding 1917- ; Brit. biophysicist: half-brother of Aldous & Julian 3 Sir Julian (Sorrell) 1887-1975; Eng. biologist & writer: brother of Aldous 4 Thomas Henry 1825-95; Eng. biologist & writer: grandfather of Aldous, Julian, & Andrew

Huygens or Huyghens (hai´gэnz; Du hoi´gэns), Christian 1629-95; Du. physicist, mathematician, & astronomer

huzzah or huzza (hэ zä´, -zö´) •interj., n., vi., vt. archaic var. of HURRAH [echoic]

HV high voltage

hwan (hwän) pl. hwan •n. WON³ [Kor]

Hwang Ho (hwäŋ´ hou´) old name of HUANG HE

hwy highway

hyacinth (hai´э sinθ') •n. 1 a) among the ancients, a blue gem, probably the sapphire b) any of the reddish-orange or brownish varieties of zircon or certain other minerals, used as a semiprecious stone 2 a) any of a genus (Hyacinthus) of plants of the lily family, with narrow channeled leaves and spikes of fragrant, bell-shaped flowers in white, yellow, red, blue, or purple b) the bulb of any of these plants c) the flower 3 a bluish purple hy'a·cin´thine (-sin´θin, -θain') •adj. [L hyacinthus < Gr hyakinthos, wild hyacinth, bluebell, blue larkspur, hence a blue gem]

Hyacinthus (hai'э sin´θэs) Gr. Myth. a youth loved and accidentally slain by Apollo, who causes to grow from his blood a flower bearing the letters AI AI (a Greek cry of sorrow) [L < Gr Hyakinthos, lit., HYACINTH]

Hyades (hai´э di:z') 1 Gr. Myth. daughters of Atlas, placed in the sky by Zeus: as stars they were thought to be bringers of rain 2 an open cluster of more than 200 stars in the constellation Taurus, whose five brightest members form a V near Aldebaran [L Hyades < Gr]

hyaena (hai i:´nэ) •n. HYENA

hyalin (hai´э lin) •n. any of various glassy translucent substances, esp. such a substance occurring normally in vertebrate cartilage [HYAL(O)- + -IN¹]

hyaline (hai´э lin, -li:n', -lain') •adj. 1 transparent as glass; glassy 2 of or relating to hyalin •n. anything transparent or glassy, as a smooth sea or clear sky [LL hyalinus < Gr hyalinos, glassy < hyalos, glass]

hyaline membrane disease a respiratory disease of unknown cause of newborn infants, esp. if premature, characterized by an abnormal membrane of protein lining the alveoli of the lungs

hyalite (hai´э lait') •n. a colorless variety of opal, transparent or whitish and translucent [fol. + -ITE¹]

hyalo- (hai´э lou', -lэ; hai æl´ou, -э) combining form glass, glassy, transparent {hyaloplasm} Also, before a vowel, hyal- [< Gr hyalos, glass]

hyalogen (hai æl´э jэn) •n. any of the various insoluble, mucoidlike substances found in animal tissue and producing hyalins upon hydrolysis [prec. + -GEN]

hyaloid (hai´э loid') •adj. HYALINE [Gr hyaloeidēs < hyalos, glass + eidos, appearance: see -OID]

hyaloid membrane a delicate membrane containing the vitreous humor of the eye

hyaloplasm (hai´э lou plæz'эm, hai æl´э-) •n. the basic substance of the protoplasm of a cell: it is clear and fluid, as distinguished from the granular and reticulate parts [HYALO- + -PLASM]

hyaluronic acid (hai'э lu: rän´ik) a polymer occurring naturally in such body fluids as the vitreous humor of the eye and the synovial fluid of the joints, and responsible for their jellylike consistency [< HYAL(O)- + Gr ouron, URINE + -IC]

hyaluronidase (-rän´i deis') •n. an enzyme that inactivates hyaluronic acid by breaking down its polymeric structure, thus promoting the diffusion of substances through tissues: found in sperm cells, certain venoms and bacteria, etc. [< prec. + -ID(E) + -ASE]

hybrid (hai´brid) •n. 1 the offspring produced by crossing two individuals of unlike genetic constitution; specif., the offspring of two animals or plants of different races, varieties, species, etc. 2 anything of mixed origin, unlike parts, etc. 3 Linguis. a word made up of elements originally from different languages, as companionway •adj. of, or having the nature of, a hybrid hy´brid·ism' or hy·brid´i·ty •n. [L hybrida, offspring of mixed parentage]

hybrid tea any of a popular group of rose varieties having desirable characteristics, as fragrance, colors, etc.: created by crossing the tea rose with certain hybrid roses

hybrid vigor HETEROSIS

hybridize (hai´bri daiz') -ized', -iz'ing •vt., vi. to produce or cause to produce hybrids; crossbreed hy'brid·i·za´tion •n. hy´brid·iz'er •n.

hybridoma (hai'brэ dou´mэ) •n. a tissue culture consisting of cancer cells fused to lymphocytes to mass-produce a specific antibody [HYBRID + (MYEL)OMA]

hydathode (hai´dэ θoud') •n. a specialized microscopic pore or stoma on the leaves of many plants, through which water may be excreted [Ger < Gr hydōr (gen. hydatos), WATER + hodos, way: see -ODE¹]

hydatid (-tid') •n. a cyst containing watery fluid and the larvae of certain tapeworms (esp. genus Echinococcus), found in the body tissue, esp. the liver, of many animals •adj. of or like such a cyst [Gr hydatis (gen. hydatidos), watery vesicle < base of hydōr, WATER]

Hyde (haid) 1 Douglas 1860-1949; Ir. statesman & writer: president of Eire (1938-45) 2 Edward see CLARENDON, 1st Earl of

Hyde Park 1 public park in London, noted for the public discussions on current issues that take place there 2 village in SE N.Y., on the Hudson: site of the estate & burial place of Franklin D. Roosevelt [after the London park]

Hyderabad (hai´dэr э bæd', -bäd'; hai´drэ-) 1 city in SC India: capital of Andhra Pradesh state: pop. 2,500,000 2 city in S Pakistan, on the Indus River: pop. 795,000 3 former state of SC India

hydr- combining form HYDRO-: used before a vowel

Hydra (hai´drэ) 1 Gr. Myth. the nine-headed serpent slain by Hercules as one of his twelve labors: when any one of its heads is cut off, it is replaced by two others 2 a long S constellation between Cancer and Libra: the largest constellation •n. pl. -dras or -drae' (-dri:') [h-] 1 any persistent or ever-increasing evil with many sources and causes 2 any of a family (Hydridae) of small, freshwater, solitary hydroids having a dominant soft-bodied polyp stage [ME ydre (< OFr < L), ydra < L Hydra < Gr, water serpent, akin to hydōr, WATER]

hydracid (hai dræs´id) •n. an acid that does not contain oxygen, as hydrochloric acid

hydrangea (hai drein´jэ, -dræn´-; -ji: э) •n. any of a genus (Hydrangea) of shrubs or vines of the saxifrage family, with opposite leaves and large, showy clusters of white, blue, or pink flowers, often sterile [ModL < HYDR- + Gr angeion, vessel]

hydrant (hai´drэnt) •n. 1 a large discharge pipe with a valve for drawing water from a water main; fireplug 2 [Dial.] a faucet [< Gr hydōr, WATER]

hydranth (hai´drænθ') •n. Zool. any of the feeding individuals (zooids) of a hydroid colony [< HYDR- + Gr anthos, a flower: see ANTHO-]

hydrargyrum (hai drär´ji rэm) •n. mercury: symbol, Hg [ModL < L hydrargyrus < Gr hydrargyros < hydōr, WATER + argyros, silver]

hydrastine (hai dræs´ti:n', -tin) •n. a bitter, crystalline alkaloid, C21H21NO6, extracted from the rootstock of the goldenseal [ModL Hydrastis, name of the genus of herbs (< Gr hydōr, WATER) + -INE³]

hydrastis (hai dræs´tis) •n. the rhizome and roots of the goldenseal, containing hydrastine: formerly much used in medicine [see HYDRASTINE]

hydrate (hai´dreit') •n. a compound formed by the chemical combination of water and some other substance in a definite molecular ratio {plaster of Paris, 2CaSO4·H2O, is a hydrate} •vt., vi. -drat'ed, -drat'ing 1 to become or cause to become a hydrate 2 to combine with water hy·dra´tion •n. hy´dra'tor •n. [HYDR(O)- + -ATE¹]

hydraulic (hai drö´lik, -drä´-) •adj. 1 of hydraulics 2 operated by the movement and force of liquid; specif., operated by the pressure created when a liquid is forced through an aperture, tube, etc. {hydraulic brakes} 3 setting or hardening under water {hydraulic mortar} hy·drau´li·cal·ly •adv. [Fr hydraulique < L hydraulicus < Gr hydraulikos, of a water organ < hydraulis, water organ < hydōr, WATER + aulos, tube, pipe < IE base *aulos > (with metathesis) L alvus, the belly]

hydraulic ram a device for delivering a small portion of a flowing liquid to a higher elevation by using the momentum of the flowing liquid as the energy source

hydraulics (hai drö´liks, -drä´-) •n.pl. [with sing. v.] the branch of physics having to do with the mechanical properties of water and other liquids in motion and with the application of these properties in engineering

hydrazide (hai´drэ zaid') •n. any of several derivatives of hydrazine in which at least one of the hydrogens has been replaced by an acyl group [fol. + -IDE]

hydrazine (hai´drэ zi:n', -zin) •n. a colorless, corrosive, liquid base, H2NNH2, used as a jet and rocket fuel, a reducing agent, antioxidant, etc. [HYDR(O)- + AZINE]

hydrazoate (hai'drэ zou´eit') •n. any salt of hydrazoic acid

hydrazoic acid (-zou'ik-) a colorless, volatile, poisonous acid, NHN:N, used in the manufacture of explosives [HYDR(O)- + AZO- + -IC]

hydric (hai´drik) •adj. of or containing hydrogen [HYDR(O)- + -IC]

-hydric (hai´drik) combining form having (a specified number of) hydroxyl radicals or replaceable hydrogen atoms in the molecule {monohydric} [see HYDRIC]

hydride (hai´draid') •n. a binary inorganic compound containing hydrogen [HYDR(O)- + -IDE]

hydriodic acid (hai'drai äd'ik-, -dri:-) a strong acid that is a water solution of the gas hydrogen iodide, HI [HYDR(O)- + IODIC]

hydro- (hai´drou, -drэ) combining form 1 water {hydrostatics, hydrometer} 2 containing hydrogen {hydrocyanic acid} [< Gr hydōr, WATER]

hydro¹ (hai´drou') pl. -dros' •n. [Brit. Colloq.] a place, such as a spa, where people go to get hydropathic treatments

hydro² (hai´drou') •n. [Cdn.] 1 hydroelectric power 2 pl. -dros' a hydroelectric power plant •adj. [Cdn.] hydroelectric

hydrobromic acid (hai'drou brou'mik) a strong acid that is a water solution of the gas hydrogen bromide, HBr [prec. + BROMIC]

hydrocarbon (hai'drou kär´bэn, -drэ-) •n. any compound containing only hydrogen and carbon, as benzene or methane

hydrocele (hai´drou si:l') •n. a collection of watery fluid in a cavity of the body, esp. in the scrotum or along the spermatic cord [L < Gr hydrokēlē < hydōr, WATER + kēlē, tumor: see -CELE]

hydrocephalus (hai'drou sef´э lэs) •n. a condition characterized by an abnormal increase in the amount of fluid in the cranium, esp. in young children, causing enlargement of the head and deterioration of the brain Also hy'dro·ceph´a·ly (-li:) hy'dro·ce·phal´ic (-sэ fæl´ik) •adj., n. hy'dro·ceph´a·lous (-lэs) •adj. [ModL < Gr hydrokephalon < hydōr, WATER + kephalē, head: see CEPHALIC]

hydrochloric acid (hai'drou klör'ik, -drэ-) a strong, highly corrosive acid that is a water solution of the gas hydrogen chloride, HCl: it is widely used in ore processing, for cleaning metals, as a reagent, etc.

hydrochloride (-klör´aid') •n. a compound of hydrochloric acid and an organic base, as amidol

hydrocolloid (-käl´oid') •n. any of several substances, as gum arabic or agar, that form gels with water and are mostly used to thicken or smooth food products

hydrocortisone (-kört´э soun', -zoun') •n. the principal carbohydrate-regulating corticosteroid, C21H30O5, in humans, with effects similar to cortisone

hydrocracking (hai´drэ kræk'iŋ) •n. a modern, highly efficient petroleum cracking process designed to maximize the production of auto and jet fuels: under great pressure, but at a relatively low temperature, heavy hydrocarbons combine with hydrogen and solid catalysts to produce saturated light distillates, gasoline, etc. hy´dro·crack' •vt. hy´dro·crack'er •n.

hydrocyanic acid (hai'drou'sai æn´ik) a weak, highly poisonous acid, HCN, that is a colorless liquid with the odor of bitter almonds: it is used as a fumigant, poison gas, in metallurgy, etc.

hydrodynamic (hai'drou'dai næm´ik, -drэ-) •adj. 1 having to do with hydrodynamics 2 of, derived from, or operated by, the action of water, etc. in motion hy'dro'dy·nam´i·cal·ly •adv.

hydrodynamics (-dai næm´iks) •n.pl. [with sing. v.] the branch of physics having to do with the motion and action of water and other liquids; dynamics of liquids

hydroelectric (-i: lek´trik) •adj. producing, or having to do with the production of, electricity by water power hy'dro·e'lec'tric´i·ty •n.

hydrofluoric acid (hai'drou flör'ik, -drou'flu: ör'-; -flur'-; -drэ-) a strong, fuming acid that is a water solution of the gas, or liquid, hydrogen fluoride (H6F6, H4F4, H2F2, or HF, depending on the temperature): it reacts with silicates and is therefore used in etching glass [HYDRO- + FLUOR(INE) + -IC]

hydrofoil (hai´drou foil', -drэ-) •n. 1 any of the winglike structures attached to the hull of some watercraft: at a certain speed the hull is lifted above the water and the craft skims along on the hydrofoils at great speeds 2 a craft with hydrofoils [HYDRO- + (AIR)FOIL]

hydroforming (-förm'iŋ) •n. a process for converting alkenes of low octane numbers into high-octane fuels, branched chains of alkanes, by applying temperatures and pressures in the presence of hydrogen and a catalyst

hydrogasification (hai'drou gæs'i fi cei´shэn) •n. a high-temperature, high-pressure process for producing liquid or gaseous fuels from fine particles of coal and hydrogen gas

hydrogen (hai´drэ jэn) •n. a flammable, colorless, odorless, gaseous chemical element, the lightest of all known substances: symbol, H; at. wt., 1.00797; at. no., 1; density, 0.0899 g/l (0°C); melt. pt., -259.14°C; boil. pt., -252.8°C hy·drog·e·nous (hai dräj´э nэs) •adj. [Fr hydrogène (see HYDRO- & -GEN): coined (1787) by L. B. Guyton de Morveau (1737-1816), Fr chemist, in reference to the generation of water from the combustion of hydrogen]

hydrogen (ion) 1 the positively charged nucleus of hydrogen without its electron: symbol, H+ 2 HYDRONIUM (ION)

hydrogen bomb an extremely destructive nuclear bomb in which an initial atomic bomb explosion creates the necessary intense heat and pressure to start a nuclear fusion explosion of the heavy isotopes of hydrogen (deuterium and tritium); H-bomb

hydrogen bond a weak chemical bond formed through a hydrogen atom, esp. if bridging two similar electronegative atoms or groups from two different molecules

hydrogen peroxide a colorless, syrupy liquid, H2O2, often used in dilute, unstable solutions as a bleaching or disinfecting agent, and in more concentrated form as a rocket fuel, in the production of foam rubber, etc.

hydrogen sulfide a flammable, poisonous gas, H2S, with the characteristic odor of rotten eggs, widely used as a reagent in analytical chemistry

hydrogenate (hai dräj´э neit', hai´drэ jэ-) -at'ed, -at'ing •vt. to combine with, treat with, or expose to the action of, hydrogen: unsaturated vegetable oil is hydrogenated to produce a solid fat hy·drog'e·na´tion •n.

hydrogenize (hai dräj´э naiz', hai´drэ jэ-) -ized', -iz'ing •vt. HYDROGENATE

hydrography (hai dräg´rэ fi:) •n. 1 the study, description, and mapping of oceans, lakes, and rivers, esp. with reference to their navigational and commercial uses 2 the oceans, lakes, rivers, etc. of a region, esp. as dealt with on a map or in a survey, treatise, etc. hy·drog´ra·pher •n. hy·dro·graph·ic (hai'drou græf´ik) or hy'dro·graph´i·cal •adj. [Fr hydrographie: see HYDRO- & -GRAPHY]

hydroid (hai´droid') •adj. 1 like a hydra or polyp 2 of or related to an order (Hydroida) of hydrozoans, including the hydras and many colonial marine species •n. any hydroid hydrozoan [HYDR(A) + -OID]

hydrokinetic (hai'drou'ki net´ik) •adj. of the motions of fluids or the forces producing or influencing such motions hy'dro'ki·net´i·cal·ly •adv.

hydrokinetics (-iks) •n.pl. [with sing. v.] the branch of physics having to do with fluids in motion

hydrology (hai dräl´э ji:) •n. the science dealing with the waters of the earth, their distribution on the surface and underground, and the cycle involving evaporation, precipitation, flow to the seas, etc. hy·dro·log·ic (hai'drou läj´ik) or hy'dro·log´i·cal •adj. hy·drol´o·gist •n. [ModL hydrologia: see HYDRO- & -LOGY]

hydrolysate (hai dräl´i seit', -zeit') •n. a product resulting from hydrolysis Also hy·drol´y·zate' (-zeit')

hydrolysis (hai dräl´i sis) pl. -ses' (-si:z') •n. a chemical reaction in which a substance reacts with water so as to be changed into one or more other substances, as a starch into glucose, natural fats into glycerol and fatty acids, or a salt into a weak acid or a weak base hy·dro·lyt·ic (hai'drou lit´ik) •adj. [HYDRO- + -LYSIS]

hydrolyte (hai´drou lit') •n. any substance undergoing hydrolysis

hydrolyze (-laiz') -lyzed', -lyz'ing •vt., vi. to undergo or cause to undergo hydrolysis hy´dro·lyz'a·ble •adj.

hydromagnetics (hai'drou'mæg net´iks) •n.pl. [with sing. v.] MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS hy'dro'mag·net´ic •adj.

hydromancy (hai´drou mæn'si:) •n. divination by the observation of water hy´dro·man'cer (-sэr) •n. [ME idromancie < OFr ydromancie < L hydromantia < Gr hydromanteia: see HYDRO- & -MANCY]

hydromechanics (hai'drou'mэ kæn´iks) •n.pl. [with sing. v.] the branch of physics having to with the laws governing the motion and equilibrium of fluids hy'dro'me·chan´i·cal •adj.

hydromedusa (-mэ du:´sэ, -dyu:´-; -zэ) pl. -sae (-si:) •n. a jellyfish (medusa) formed from a bud produced asexually on a hydroid [ModL: see HYDRO- & MEDUSA]

hydromel (hai´drou mel', -drэ-) •n. a mixture of honey and water that becomes mead when fermented [ME ydromel (prob. via OFr ydromelle) < L hydromeli < Gr < hydōr, WATER + meli, honey: see MILDEW]

hydrometallurgy (hai'drou met´ªl ør'ji:, -drэ-) •n. the recovery of metals from ores by a liquid process, as by leaching the ore with an acid

hydrometeor (-mi:t´i: эr) •n. any type of condensation or frost formed from atmospheric water vapor, as rain, snow, fog, dew, etc.: opposed to LITHOMETEOR

hydrometer (hai dräm´эt эr) •n. an instrument for measuring the specific gravity of liquids: it is a graduated, weighted tube that sinks in a liquid up to the point determined by the density of the liquid hy·dro·met·ric (hai'drou me´trik, -drэ-) or hy'dro·met´ri·cal •adj. hy·drom´e·try •n. [HYDRO- + -METER]

hydromorphic (hai'drou mör´fik, -drэ-) •adj. Bot. having properties of structure adapted to growth wholly or partially in water

hydronic (hai drän´ik) •adj. of or having to do with a system of heating or cooling by means of the forced circulation of liquids or vapors through a set of pipes

hydronium (ion) (hai drou´ni: эm) the positively charged ion of all acids in water solutions: symbol, H3O+ [HYDR(O)- + -ONIUM]

hydropathy (hai dräp´э θi:) •n. a method of treatment that attempts to cure all diseases by the use of water, including consumption of mineral water and hydrotherapy hy·dro·path·ic (hai'drou pæθ´ik, -drэ-) •adj. hy·drop´a·thist •n. [HYDRO- + -PATHY]

hydrophane (hai'drэ fein') •n. an opaque variety of opal that becomes translucent or transparent when wet hy·droph·a·nous (hai dräf´э nэs) •adj. [HYDRO- + -PHANE]

hydrophilic (hai'drou fil´ik, -drэ-) •adj. capable of uniting with or taking up water Also hy´dro·phile' (-fail') [HYDRO- + -PHIL(IA) + -IC]

hydrophilous (hai dräf´э lэs) •adj. 1 HYDROPHYTIC 2 requiring the presence of water for fertilization [HYDRO- + -PHILOUS]

hydrophobia (hai'drou fou´bi: э, -drэ-) •n. 1 an abnormal fear of water 2 RABIES [from the symptomatic inability to swallow liquids] [LL < Gr hydrophobia: see HYDRO- & -PHOBIA]

hydrophobic (-fou´bik) •adj. 1 of or having hydrophobia 2 not capable of uniting with or absorbing water Also hy´dro·phobe' (-foub')

hydrophone (hai´drou foun', -drэ-) •n. an instrument for detecting, and registering the distance and direction of, sound transmitted through water [HYDRO- + -PHONE]

hydrophyte (-fait') •n. any plant growing only in water or very wet earth hy'dro·phyt´ic (-fit´ik) •adj. [HYDRO- + -PHYTE]

hydroplane (hai´drou plein', -drэ-) •n. 1 a small, light motorboat with hydrofoils or with a flat bottom rising in steps to the stern so that it can skim along the water's surface at high speeds 2 SEAPLANE 3 an attachment for an airplane that enables it to glide along on the water 4 a horizontal rudder used to submerge or raise a submarine •vi. -planed', -plan'ing 1 to drive or ride in a hydroplane 2 to skim along like a hydroplane, as a skid in a vehicle caused by a film of water between the tires and the road [HYDRO- + PLANE4]

hydroponics (hai'drou pän´iks, -drэ-) •n.pl. [with sing. v.] the science of growing or the production of plants in nutrient-rich solutions or moist inert material, instead of in soil hy'dro·pon´ic •adj. hy'dro·pon´i·cal·ly •adv. hy'dro·pon´i·cist (-i sist) or hy·drop·o·nist (hai dräp´э nist) •n. [HYDRO- + (GEO)PON(IC) + -ICS]

hydropower (hai´drou pau'эr, -drэ-) •n. hydroelectric power

hydrops (hai´dräps') •n. accumulation of fluid within an organ or tissue hy·drop´ic •adj. [< Gr hydrōps: see DROPSY]

hydroquinone (hai'drou kwi noun´, -kwin´oun') •n. a white, crystalline substance, C6H4(OH)2, used in photographic developers, dyes, paints, etc. and in medicine to remove pigmentation from the skin Also hy'dro·quin´ol (-kwin´öl, -oul) [HYDRO- + QUINONE]

hydroscope (hai´drou skoup', -drэ-) •n. a device like a periscope, for viewing things at some distance below the surface of water [HYDRO- + -SCOPE]

hydroski (hai´drou ski:', -drэ-) •n. an elongated planing surface, similar to a snow ski, allowing an aircraft to take off or land on water, snow, etc.

hydrosol (hai´drou söl', -säl', -soul'; -drэ-) •n. a disperse system in which water is the disperse medium [HYDRO- + SOL(UTION)]

hydrospace (hai´drou speis', -drэ-) •n. the ocean waters and ocean depths of the earth, esp. as a realm to be explored and investigated scientifically; inner space

hydrosphere (-sfir') •n. all the water on the surface of the earth, including oceans, lakes, glaciers, etc.: water vapor, clouds, etc. may be considered part of the atmosphere or the hydrosphere [HYDRO- + -SPHERE]

hydrostatics (hai'drou stæt´iks, -drэ-) •n.pl. [with sing. v.] the branch of physics having to do with the pressure and equilibrium of water and other liquids; statics of liquids hy'dro·stat´ic or hy'dro·stat´i·cal •adj. hy'dro·stat´i·cal·ly •adv. [< Fr hydrostatique < ModL hydrostaticus: see HYDRO- & STATIC]

hydrosulfide (-sûl´faid') •n. MERCAPTAN

hydrotaxis (hai'drou tæk´sis) •n. the positive, or negative, response of a freely moving organism to, or away from, water hy'dro·tac´tic (-tæk´tik) •adj. [HYDRO- + TAXIS]

hydrotherapeutics (hai'drou θer'э pyu:t´iks, -drэ-) •n.pl. [with sing. v.] HYDROTHERAPY hy'dro·ther'a·peu´tic •adj.

hydrotherapy (-θer´э pi:) •n. the treatment of disease by the external or internal use of water, as with baths, compresses, douches, etc.

hydrothermal (hai'drou θør´mэl, -drэ-) •adj. having to do with hot water; esp., having to do with the action of hot water in producing minerals and springs or in dissolving, shifting, and otherwise changing the distribution of minerals in the earth's crust

hydrothorax (hai'drou θör´æks') •n. a condition marked by the accumulation of watery fluid in the pleural cavity [ModL: see HYDRO- & THORAX]

hydrotropism (hai drä´trэ piz'эm) •n. the positive, or negative, movement or growth, as of a plant root, toward, or away from, moisture hy·dro·trop·ic (hai'drou träp´ik) •adj. [HYDRO- + -TROPISM]

hydrous (hai´drэs) •adj. containing water, esp. water of crystallization or hydration, as certain minerals and chemical compounds [HYDR(O)- + -OUS]

hydroxide (hai dräks´aid') •n. a compound consisting of an element or radical combined with the hydroxyl radical [HYDR(O)- + OXIDE]

hydroxy (hai dräks´i:) •adj. containing or related to hydroxyl

hydroxy- (hai dräks´i:, -i, -э) combining form Organic Chem. hydroxyl {hydroxybutyric acid} Also, before a vowel, hydrox-

hydroxy acid an organic acid, as lactic acid, in which both the hydroxyl and carboxyl radicals occur

hydroxybutyric acid (hai dräks'i: byu: tir´ik, -dräks'i-) any of three isomeric acids, CH3CH(OH)CH2COOH: the beta isomer is found in the urine of diabetics

hydroxyketone (-ki:´toun') •n. a ketone containing the hydroxyl radical

hydroxyl (hai dräks´il) •n. the monovalent radical OH, present in all hydroxides hy·drox·yl·ic (hai'dräks il´ik) •adj. [HYDR(O)- + OX(YGEN) + -YL]

hydroxylamine (hai dräks'il э mi:n´, -æm´i:n'; -in) •n. a colorless crystalline base, NH2OH, used as a reducing agent [prec. + AMINE]

hydroxylate (hai dräks´il eit') -at'ed, -at'ing •vt. to introduce the hydroxyl group into (a compound) hy·drox'yl·a´tion •n.

hydroxyproline (hai dräks'э prou´li:n', -lin) •n. a nonessential amino acid, HOC4H7NCOOH, found in connective tissue, esp. collagens

hydrozoan (hai'drou zou´эn, -drэ-) •adj. of a class (Hydrozoa) of cnidarians having a saclike body consisting of two layers of cells, and a mouth that opens directly into the body cavity •n. any animal of this class, as a hydroid or Portuguese man-of-war [< ModL Hydrozoa < HYDRA + ZO- + -AN]

Hydrus (hai´drэs) a S constellation near the celestial pole [L < Gr hydros, water snake, akin to hydōr, WATER]

hyena (hai i:´nэ) •n. any of various wolflike carnivores (family Hyaenidae) of Africa and Asia, with powerful jaws, a bristly mane, short hind legs, and a characteristic shrill cry: hyenas feed on carrion and are thought of as cowardly [L hyaena < Gr hyaina, hyena, lit., sow (so called from its hoglike mane) < hys, a hog (+ -aina, fem. suffix) < IE base *sū-, hog > SWINE]

hyeto- (hai´i tou', -tэ; hai´э-) combining form rain, rainfall {hyetograph} Also, before a vowel, hyet- [< Gr hyetos, rain < hyein, to rain < IE base *seu-, juice, moisture, rain > L sugere, SUCK]

hyetograph (hai´i tou græf') •n. a chart showing the distribution of rainfall over a particular period of time or a particular area [prec. + -GRAPH]

hyetography (hai'i täg´rэ fi:) •n. the branch of meteorology having to do with the geographical distribution and annual variation of rainfall hy·e·to·graph·ic (hai'э tou' græf´ik) or hy'e·to'graph´i·cal •adj. [HYETO- + -GRAPHY]

Hygeia (hai ji:´э) Gr. Myth. the goddess of health [L Hygea < Gr Hygeia, Hygieia < hygiēs: see HYGIENE]

hygiene (hai´ji:n', hai ji:n´) •n. 1 the science of health and its maintenance; system of principles for the preservation of health and prevention of disease 2 sanitary practices; cleanliness {personal hygiene} [Fr hygiène < Gr hygieinē (technē), (art) of health < hygiēs, healthy, sound < IE *su-gwiyēs, living well < base *su-, well ( > Sans su-, well) + base *gwei-, to live > Gr bios, life, L vivus, living]

hygienic (hai'ji: en´ik; hai ji:n´ik, -jen´-) •adj. 1 of hygiene or health 2 promoting health; healthful; sanitary hy'gi·en´i·cal·ly •adv.

hygienics (-iks) •n.pl. [with sing. v.] the science of health; hygiene

hygienist (hai ji:n´ist, hai´ji:n'-; hai'ji: en´-; also hai´ji: эn ist', -jэn-, hai jen´ist) •n. 1 an expert in hygiene 2 short for DENTAL HYGIENIST

hygro- (hai´grou, -grэ) combining form wet, moisture {hygrometer} Also, before a vowel, hygr- [< Gr hygros, wet, moist: see HUMOR]

hygrograph (hai´grou græf', -grэ-) •n. a hygrometer for continuously recording atmospheric humidity

hygrometer (hai gräm´эt эr) •n. any of various instruments for measuring the absolute or relative amount of moisture in the air hy·gro·met·ric (hai'grou me´trik, -grэ-) •adj. hy·grom´e·try (-tri:) •n. [Fr hygromètre: see HYGRO- & -METER]

hygrophyte (hai´grou fait', -grэ-) •n. HYDROPHYTE [HYGRO- + -PHYTE]

hygroscope (hai´grou skoup', -grэ-) •n. an instrument that indicates, without actually measuring, changes in atmospheric humidity, as by swelling or color change [HYGRO- + -SCOPE]

hygroscopic (hai'grou skäp´ik, -grэ-) •adj. 1 a) attracting or absorbing moisture from the air b) changed or altered by the absorption of moisture 2 of or according to a hygroscope hy'gro·scop´i·cal·ly •adv. hy'gro·sco·pic´i·ty (-skou pis´э ti:, -skэ-) •n.

hygrothermograph (-θør´mou græf', -mэ-) •n. an instrument that measures and records atmospheric humidity and temperature on the same graph [HYGRO- + THERMOGRAPH]

hying (hai´iŋ) •vi., vt. alt. prp. of HIE

Hyksos (hik´sous, -säs) foreign (prob. Semitic) kings of Egypt (c. 1700-c. 1550 B.C.), traditionally considered to have formed the XVth & XVIth dynasties Etymology [Gr Hyksōs < Egypt Hiq shasu, chief of the nomadic tribes]

hyla (hai´lэ) •n. any of a large genus (Hyla) of tree frogs, as the spring peeper [ModL < Gr hylē, wood]

hylo- (hai´lou, -lэ) combining form 1 wood {hylophagous} 2 matter, substance {hylozoism} Also, before a vowel, hyl- [< Gr hylē, wood, matter]

hylophagous (hai läf´э gэs) •adj. feeding on wood, as some insects [prec. + -PHAGOUS]

hylozoism (hai'lou zou´iz'эm, -lэ-) •n. the doctrine that all matter has life, or that life is inseparable from matter hy'lo·zo´ic •adj. hy'lo·zo´ist •n. hy'lo·zo·is´tic •adj. [< HYLO- + Gr zōē, life (see BIO-) + -ISM]

hymen (hai´mэn) •n. the thin mucous membrane that closes part or sometimes all of the opening of the vagina; maidenhead hy´men·al •adj. [Gr hymēn, membrane < IE *syumen-, ligature < base *siw- > SEW] Hymen (hai´mэn) Gr. Myth. the god of marriage •n. [h-] [Old Poet.] 1 marriage 2 a wedding song or poem [L < Gr Hymēn: see HYMEN] hymen (hai´mэn) •n. the thin mucous membrane that closes part or sometimes all of the opening of the vagina; maidenhead hy´men·al •adj. [Gr hymēn, membrane < IE *syumen-, ligature < base *siw- > SEW]

hymeneal (hai'mэ ni:´эl) •adj. of marriage •n. [Old Poet.] 1 a wedding song 2 [pl.] a marriage [< L hymenaeus < Gr hymenaios (see HYMEN) + -AL]

hymenium (hai mi:´ni: эm) pl. -ni·a (-э) •n.or -ni·ums a superficial layer of spore-producing cells in fungi hy·me´ni·al •adj. [ModL: see HYMEN & -IUM]

hymenopteran (hai'mэ näp´tэr эn) •n. any of a large, highly specialized order (Hymenoptera) of insects, including wasps, bees, and ants, having complete metamorphosis and often living in social colonies: the insect has a biting or sucking mouth and, when winged, four membranous wings •adj. of or belonging to the hymenopterans Also hy'me·nop´ter·ous [< ModL < Gr hymenopteros, membrane-winged < hymēn, membrane (see HYMEN) + pteron, a wing (see PTERO-) + -AN]

Hymettus (hai met´эs) mountain range in EC Greece, near Athens: highest peak, 3,367 ft. (1,027 m)

hymn (him) •n. 1 a song in praise or honor of God, a god, or gods 2 any song of praise or glorification •vt. to express or praise in a hymn •vi. to sing a hymn [ME ymen < OE ymen & OFr ymne, both < LL (Ec) hymnus < Gr hymnos, a hymn, festive song, ode]

hymnal (him´nэl) •n. a collection of religious hymns Also hymn´book' or hym´na·ry (-nэ ri:), pl. -ries •adj. of hymns [ME hymnale < ML < L hymnus]

hymnist (him´nist) •n. a composer of hymns

hymnody (him´nэ di:') •n. 1 the singing of hymns 2 hymns collectively 3 HYMNOLOGY hym´no·dist' •n. [ML hymnodia < Gr hymnoidia: see HYMN & ODE]

hymnology (him näl´э ji:') •n. 1 the study of hymns, their history, use, etc. 2 the writing or composition of hymns 3 HYMNODY (sense 2) hym·nol´o·gist' •n. [ML hymnologia, praise in song < Gr: see HYMN & -LOGY]

hyoid (hai´oid') •adj. designating or of a bone or bones supporting the tongue at its base: U-shaped in humans •n. the hyoid bone or bones [Fr hyoïde < ModL hyoides < Gr hyoeidēs, shaped like the letter υ (upsilon) < hy, upsilon + -eidēs, -OID]

hyoscine (hai´э si:n', -sin) •n. SCOPOLAMINE [< L hyoscyamus (see HYOSCYAMINE) + -INE³]

hyoscyamine (hai'э sai´э mi:n', -min) •n. a colorless, crystalline, very poisonous alkaloid, C17H23NO3, obtained from henbane and other plants of the nightshade family: it is used in medicine as a sedative, antispasmodic, etc. [< L hyoscyamus, henbane ( < Gr hyoskyamos < hys, pig (see HYENA) + kyamos, bean) + -INE³]

hyp 1 hypothesis: also hypoth 2 hypothetical

hyp- (hip, haip) prefix HYPO-: used before a vowel

hypabyssal (hip'э bis´эl) •adj. Geol. designating or of igneous rocks solidified at moderate depths, generally as sills or dikes [HYP(O)- + ABYSSAL]

hypaethral (hi pi:´θrэl, hai-) •adj. open to the sky; roofless: said of classical buildings and courts [< L hypaethrus, uncovered, in the open air ( < Gr hypaithros < hypo-, HYPO- + aithēr, ether, clear sky: see ETHER + -AL]

hypanthium (hi pæn´θi: эm, hai-) pl. -thi·a (-э) •n. an enlarged cup or rim of tissue in flowers, as of the rose family, which supports the sepals, petals, and stamens hy·pan´thi·al •adj. Etymology [ModL: see HYPO- & ANTHO- & -IUM]

hype¹ (haip) •n. [Slang] 1 short for HYPODERMIC 2 a drug addict •vt. hyped, hyp´ing [Slang] to stimulate or enliven by or as by the injection of a drug: usually in pp. with up {a hyped-up fanatic}

hype² (haip) •n. [Slang] 1 deception or fraud 2 extravagant or excessive promotion •vt. hyped, hyp´ing [Slang] 1 to deceive or con 2 to promote in a sensational way [? < HYPERBOLE, infl. by verb sense of prec.]

hyper (hai´pэr) •adj. [Slang] high-strung; keyed up

hyper- (hai´pэr) prefix 1 over, above, more than the normal, excessive {hypercritical, hyperopia} 2 existing in a space of four or more dimensions {hyperplane} 3 Chem. old term for PER- {hyperoxide} [Gr hyper- < hyper, over, above, concerning: see SUPER]

hyperacidity (hai'pэr э sid´э ti:) •n. excessive acidity, as of the gastric juice hy'per·ac´id (-æs´id) •adj.

hyperactive (hai'pэr æk´tiv) •adj. extremely, esp. abnormally, active hy'per·ac·tiv´i·ty (-æk tiv´э ti:) •n.

hyperbaric (-bær´ik) •adj. 1 of or having a pressure or specific gravity greater than that within the body tissues or fluids 2 designating or of a pressurized, usually oxygenated chamber, used in the experimental treatment of various diseases and conditions [HYPER- + BARIC]

hyperbola (hai pør´bэ lэ) pl. -las or -lae' (-li:) •n. Geom. the path of a point that moves so that the difference of its distances from two fixed points, the foci, is constant; curve formed by the section of a cone cut by a plane more steeply inclined than the side of the cone: see also CONIC SECTION, illus. [ModL < Gr hyperbolē, a throwing beyond, excess < hyperballein, to throw beyond < hyper- (see HYPER-) + ballein, to throw (see BALL¹)]

hyperbole (hai pør´bэ li:) •n. exaggeration for effect and not meant to be taken literally (Ex: He's as strong as an ox) [L < Gr: see HYPERBOLA]

hyperbolic (hai'pэr bäl´ik) •adj. 1 of, having the nature of, or using hyperbole; exaggerated or exaggerating 2 of, or having the form of, a hyperbola 3 designating or of any of a set of six functions (hyperbolic sine, hyperbolic cosine, etc.) related to the hyperbola in a manner similar to that by which the trigonometric functions are related to the circle Also hy'per·bol´i·cal hy'per·bol´i·cal·ly •adv. [LL hyperbolicus < Gr hyperbolikos < hyperbolē: see HYPERBOLA]

hyperbolism (hai pør´bэ liz'эm) •n. 1 the use of hyperbole 2 a hyperbolic statement

hyperbolize (hai pør´bэ laiz') -lized', -liz'ing •vt., vi. to express with or use hyperbole

hyperboloid (hai pør´bэ loid') •n. Geom. 1 a solid often formed by rotating a hyperbola around either main axis: its plane sections are hyperbolas, ellipses, or circles 2 the surface of such a solid

hyperborean (hai'pэr bör´i: эn, -bэ ri:´эn) •adj. 1 of the far north 2 very cold; frigid 3 [H-] of the Hyperboreans •n. 1 [H-] Gr. Myth. an inhabitant of a northern region of sunshine and everlasting spring, beyond the north wind 2 a person of a far northern region [LL Hyperboreanus < L Hyperboreus < Gr hyperboreos, beyond the north wind < hyper- (see HYPER-) + boreas, north wind: see BOREAS]

hypercatalectic (-kæt'э lek´tik) •adj. having one or more extra syllables following the last regular measure: said of a line of verse [LL hypercatalecticus < Gr hyperkatalēktikos: see HYPER- & CATALECTIC]

hypercharge (hai´pэr chärj') •n. Physics a characteristic of a group of elementary particles: it is a number equal to twice the average charge of the group divided by the elementary charge

hypercorrection (hai'pэr kэ rek´shэn) •n. a nonstandard usage resulting from an overly conscious effort to avoid an error, as in the case of personal pronouns (Ex.: between you and I)

hypercritic (hai'pэr krit´ik) •n. a hypercritical person

hypercritical (hai'pэr krit´i kэl) •adj. too critical; too severe in judgment; hard to please SYN. CRITICAL hy'per·crit´i·cal·ly •adv. hy'per·crit´i·cism •n.

hyperdulia (hai'pэr du: lai´э, -dyu:-) •n. R.C.Ch. special veneration of the Virgin Mary: distinguished from DULIA, LATRIA [HYPER- + DULIA]

hyperemia (-i:´mi: э) •n. an increased blood flow or congestion of blood in an organ, tissue, etc. [ModL: see HYPER- & -EMIA]

hyperesthesia (-es θi:´zhэ) •n. an abnormal sensitivity of the skin or some sense organ hy'per·es·thet´ic (-es θet´ik) •adj. [ModL: see HYPER- & ESTHESIA]

hypereutectic (hai'pэr yu: tek´tik) •adj. containing more of the secondary component than is present in a eutectic solution or alloy hy'per·eu·tec´toid •adj.

hyperextend (-ek stend´) •vt. to undergo an injury to (a knee, elbow, etc.) caused by its being forced beyond its normal position when the leg, arm, etc. is fully extended hy'per·ex·ten´sion •n.

hyperfocal distance (-fou´kэl) the distance from a photographic lens to the closest object in focus when the lens is focused at infinity

hypergamy (hai pør´gэ mi:) •n. marriage with a person of a higher social class or position hy·per´ga·mous •adj. [HYPER- + -GAMY]

hyperglycemia (hai'pэr glai si:´mi: э) •n. an abnormally high concentration of sugar in the blood hy'per·gly·ce´mic (-mik) •adj. [ModL < HYPER- + Gr glykys, sweet + -EMIA]

hypergolic (hai'pэr gäl´ik) •adj. igniting spontaneously when mixed together, as rocket fuel and oxidizer combinations [< Ger hypergol, a hypergolic liquid fuel (< hyp-, for HYPER- + Gr ergon, work + L oleum, OIL) + -IC]

hyperinsulinism (-in´sэ lin iz'эm) •n. chronic excessive secretion of insulin from the pancreas, resulting in persistent hypoglycemia

Hyperion (hai pir´i: эn) 1 Gr. Myth. a Titan, son of Uranus and Gaea, and father of the sun god Helios 2 Gr. Myth. Helios himself 3 a small, irregularly shaped satellite of Saturn having an unusual shifting orientation and rotation [L < Gr Hyperiōn]

hyperkeratosis (hai'pэr ker'э tou´sis) pl. -to´ses' (-si:z') •n. 1 an increase in the thickness of the horny layer of the skin 2 an increase of the cells of the cornea of the eye hy'per·ker'a·tot´ic (-tät´ik) •adj. [HYPER- + KERATOSIS]

hyperkinesis (-ki ni:´sis, -kai-) •n. a condition of abnormally increased muscular movement Also hy'per·ki·ne´sia (-zhэ) hy'per·ki·net´ic (-net´ik) •adj. [ModL < HYPER- + Gr kinēsis, motion]

hypermetric (hai'pэr me´trik) Prosody having an extra syllable or syllables Also hy'per·met´ri·cal •adj. •n. a hypermetric line of verse [< Gr hypermetros, beyond measure: see HYPER- & METRIC]

hypermetropia (-mi trou´pi: э, -mэ-) •n. HYPEROPIA hy'per·me·trop´ic (-träp´ik) •adj. [ModL < Gr hypermetros, beyond measure (see HYPER- & METRIC) + -OPIA]

hypermnesia (hai'pэrm ni:´zhэ) •n. abnormally sharp memory or vivid recall, seen in certain mental disorders hy'perm·ne´sic (-zik, -sik) •adj. [ModL: see HYPER- & AMNESIA]

hyperon (hai´pэr än') •n. any of a class of baryons which are heavier than the nucleons and have a nonzero strangeness quantum number [HYPER- + (BARY)ON]

hyperopia (hai'pэr ou´pi: э) •n. abnormal vision in which the rays of light are focused behind the retina, so that distant objects are seen more clearly than near ones; farsightedness hy'per·op´ic (-äp´ik) •adj. [HYPER- + -OPIA]

hyperostosis (-äs tou´sis) pl. -ses' (-si:z') •n. an abnormal increase or thickening of bone tissue hy'per·os·tot´ic (-tät´ik) •adj. [ModL < HYPER- + OSTOSIS]

hyperphysical (hai'pэr fiz´i kэl) •adj. beyond the physical; esp., supernatural hy'per·phys´i·cal·ly •adv.

hyperpituitarism (-pi tu:´i tэ riz'эm, -tyu:´-) •n. 1 excessive activity of the pituitary gland, esp. of its anterior lobe 2 a condition resulting from this, as gigantism hy'per·pi·tu´i·tar'y (-ter'i:) •adj.

hyperplane (hai´pэr plein') •n. Math. an analogue of a plane in a space of four or more dimensions

hyperplasia (hai'pэr plei´zhэ) •n. an abnormal increase in the number of cells composing a tissue or organ hy'per·plas´tic (-plæs´tik) •adj. [ModL < HYPER- + -PLASIA]

hyperpnea (hai'pэrp ni:´э, -pэr ni:´э) •n. abnormally rapid breathing; panting hy'per·pne´ic •adj. [ModL < HYPER- + Gr pnoē, breathing < pnein, to breathe: see PNEUMA]

hyperpyrexia (hai'pэr pai rek´si: э) •n. a very high fever hy'per·py·ret´ic (-ret´ik) •adj. [ModL < HYPER- + PYREXIA]

hypersensitive (hai'pэr sen´sэ tiv) •adj. abnormally or excessively sensitive hy'per·sen'si·tiv´i·ty •n.

hypersexual (-sek´shu: эl) •adj. having an unusually great sexual drive hy'per·sex'u·al´i·ty •n.

hypersonic (-sän´ik) •adj. designating, of, or traveling at a speed equal to about five times the speed of sound or greater: see SONIC

hypersthene (hai´pэr sθi:n') •n. a lustrous, greenish-black or dark-brown mineral of the pyroxene group, a silicate of iron and magnesium hy'per·sthen´ic (-sθen´ik) •adj. [altered (modeled on Gr) < Fr hyperstène: coined (1803) by R.-J. Haüy (1743-1822), Fr mineralogist < Gr hyper-, HYPER- + sthenos, strength]

hypertension (hai'pэr ten´shэn) •n. 1 any abnormally high tension 2 abnormally high blood pressure, or a disease of which this is the chief sign hy'per·ten´sive •adj., n.

hypertext (hai´pэr tekst') •n. Comput. information stored in a computer and specially organized so that related items are linked together and can be readily accessed

hyperthermia (hai'pэr θør´mi: э) •n. hyperpyrexia, esp. if induced to combat an illness Also hy´per·ther'my

hyperthyroid (hai'pэr θai´roid') •adj. of, characterized by, or having hyperthyroidism •n. a hyperthyroid person

hyperthyroidism (-θai´roid iz'эm) •n. 1 excessive activity of the thyroid gland 2 the disorder resulting from this or from taking too much thyroid extract, characterized by loss of weight, nervousness, a rapid pulse, etc.

hypertonic (hai'pэr tän´ik) •adj. 1 having abnormally high tension or tone, esp. of the muscles 2 having an osmotic pressure higher than that of an isotonic solution

hypertrophy (hai pør´trэ fi:') •n. a considerable increase in the size of an organ or tissue, caused by enlargement of its cellular components •vi., vt. -phied', -phy'ing to undergo or cause to undergo hypertrophy hy·per·troph·ic (hai'pэr träf´ik, -trou´fik) •adj. [ModL: see HYPER- & -TROPHY]

hyperventilation (hai'pэr vent'ªl ei´shэn) •n. extremely rapid or deep breathing that may cause dizziness, fainting, etc. as a result of a rapid loss of carbon dioxide hy'per·ven´ti·late' (-eit'), -lat'ed, -lat'ing, •vi., vt.

hypervitaminosis (-vait'э mi nou´sis) pl. -ses (-si:z) •n. a disorder resulting from excessive dosage with one or more vitamins

hypesthesia (hip es θi:´zhэ) •n. impaired power of sensation; esp., diminished sensitivity to touch hyp'es·the´sic (-θi:´sik) or hyp'es·thet´ic (-θet´ik) •adj. [ModL: see HYPO- & ESTHESIA]

hypethral (hi pi:´θrэl, hai-) •adj. HYPAETHRAL

hypha (hai´fэ) pl. -phae (-fi:) •n. any of the threadlike parts making up the mycelium of a fungus hy´phal •adj. [ModL < Gr hyphē, a web < IE base *webh- > WEAVE]

hyphen (hai´fэn) •n. a mark (-) used between the parts of a compound word or the syllables of a divided word, as at the end of a line •vt. HYPHENATE [LL < Gr hyphen (for hyph' hen), a hyphen, lit., under one, together, in one < hypo-, under + hen, neut. acc. of heis, one: for IE base see SAME]

hyphenate (hai´fэ neit'; for adj., -nit, -neit') -at'ed, -at'ing •vt. 1 to connect or separate by a hyphen 2 to write or print with a hyphen •adj. hyphenated hy'phen·a´tion •n.

hyphenated (-nei'tэd) •adj. 1 connected or separated with a hyphen Æ 2 of or pertaining to a citizen of a country who is identified with the ethnic group or nationality of his or her forebears {hyphenated Americans, such as Chinese-Americans, are often bilingual}

hypnagogic (hip'nэ gäj´ik) •adj. 1 causing sleep; soporific 2 designating or of the state intermediate between wakefulness and sleep {hypnagogic fantasies} [HYPN(O)- + -AGOG(UE) + -IC]

hypno- (hip´nou, -nэ) combining form 1 sleep {hypnology} 2 hypnotism {hypnotherapy} Also, before a vowel, hypn- [< Gr hypnos, sleep < IE *supnos < base *swep-, to sleep > L sopire, to lull to sleep, OE swefan, to sleep]

hypnoanalysis (hip'nou'э næl´э sis) •n. the use of hypnosis or hypnotic drugs in combination with psychoanalytic techniques

hypnogenesis (hip'nou jen´э sis) •n. the inducing of sleep or hypnosis hyp'no·gen´ic (-jen´ik) or hyp'no'·ge·net´ic (-jэ net´ik) •adj. [ModL < HYPNO- + -GENESIS]

hypnoid (hip´noid') •adj. resembling sleep or hypnosis Also hyp·noid´al

hypnology (hip näl´э ji:) •n. the science dealing with sleep and hypnotism [HYPNO- + -LOGY]

hypnopompic (hip'nou päm´pik) •adj. designating or of the state intermediate between sleep and complete awakening {hypnopompic visions} [HYPNO- + Gr pompē, procession (see POMP) + -IC]

Hypnos (hip´näs') Gr. Myth. the god of sleep, identified with the Roman Somnus [Gr Hypnos < hypnos: see HYPNO-]

hypnosis (hip nou´sis) pl. -ses' (-si:z') •n. 1 a trancelike condition usually induced by another person, in which the subject is in a state of altered consciousness and responds, with certain limitations, to the suggestions of the hypnotist 2 HYPNOTISM [ModL: see HYPNO- & -OSIS]

hypnotherapy (hip'nou θer´э pi:) •n. the treatment of a disease by hypnotism

hypnotic (hip nät´ik) •adj. 1 causing sleep; soporific 2 of, characterized by, having the nature of, or inducing hypnosis 3 easily hypnotized •n. 1 any agent causing sleep; soporific 2 a hypnotized person or one easily hypnotized hyp·not´i·cal·ly •adv. [Fr or LL: Fr hypnotique < LL hypnoticus < Gr hypnōtikos, tending to sleep < hypnos: see HYPNO-]

hypnotism (hip´nэ tiz'эm) •n. 1 the act or practice of inducing hypnosis 2 the science of hypnosis

hypnotist (-tist) •n. a person who induces hypnosis

hypnotize (-taiz') -tized', -tiz'ing •vt. 1 to put into a state of hypnosis 2 to affect or influence by or as if by hypnotism; spellbind hyp´no·tiz'a·ble •adj.

Hypnus (hip´nэs) HYPNOS

hypo- (hai´pou, -pэ; hip´ou, -э) prefix 1 under, beneath, below {hypodermic} 2 less than, subordinated to {hypotaxis} 3 Chem. having a lower state of oxidation {hypophosphorous acid} [Gr hypo- < hypo, under, less than: see UP¹]

hypo¹ (hai´pou) pl. -pos' (-pouz') •n. short for: Æ 1 HYPODERMIC 2 HYPOCHONDRIAC Æ -poed, -po·ing •vt. [Slang] to boost, stimulate, etc. by or as if by a hypodermic injection

hypo² (hai´pou) •n. SODIUM THIOSULFATE

hypoallergenic (hai'pou æl'эr jen´ik) •adj. less likely to cause an allergic reaction than other comparable preparations or goods: said of cosmetics, clothing, pillows, etc.

hypoblast (hai´pou blæst', hip´ou-) •n. the endoderm of a gastrula hy'po·blas´tic •adj. [HYPO- + -BLAST]

hypocaust (hai´pou köst', hip´ou-) •n. a space below the floor in some ancient Roman buildings, into which hot air was piped to warm the rooms [L hypocaustum < Gr hypokauston < hypokaiein, to heat by applying fire below < hypo- (see HYPO-) + kaiein, to burn]

hypocenter (hai´pou sen'tэr, -pэ-) •n. 1 the focus point of an earthquake 2 GROUND ZERO

hypochlorite (hai'pou klör´ait') •n. a salt of hypochlorous acid containing the monovalent negative radical ClO

hypochlorous acid (-klör´эs) a weak unstable acid, HClO, known only in solution and used as a bleaching and oxidizing agent

hypochondria (hai'pou kän´dri: э, -pэ-; also hip'ou-, hip'э-) •n. abnormal anxiety over one's health, often with imaginary illnesses and severe melancholy [ModL < LL, pl., abdomen (the supposed seat of the condition) < pl. of Gr hypochondrion, soft part of the body below the cartilage of the breastbone < hypo- (see HYPO-) + chondros, cartilage, by dissimilation < -chrondros < IE *ghren- < base *gher-, to pulverize, rub hard > GRIND, GROUND¹]

hypochondriac (hai'pou kän´dri: æk', -pэ-; also hip'ou-, hip'э-) •adj. 1 designating or of the region of the hypochondrium 2 of or having hypochondria •n. a person who has hypochondria hy'po·chon·dri´a·cal (-kän drai´э kэl; -kэn-) •adj. hy'po·chon·dri´a·cal·ly •adv. [Fr hypocondriaque < Gr hypochondriacus]

hypochondriasis (-kän drai´э sis, -kэn-) •n. HYPOCHONDRIA: term preferred in medicine

hypochondrium (hai'pou kän´dri: эm, hip'ou-) pl. -dri·a (-э) •n. either of the upper lateral abdominal regions containing the lower ribs [ModL: see HYPOCHONDRIA]

hypocoristic (hai'pou kэ ris´tik, hip'ou-) •adj. of or being a pet name or a diminutive or term of endearment hy·poc·o·rism (hai päk´э riz'эm) •n. [< Gr hypokoristikos < hypokorizesthai, to call by endearing names < hypo- (see HYPO-) + korizesthai, to pet < korē, girl < IE base *er-, to grow > CEREAL]

hypocotyl (hai'pou kät´ªl, hip'ou-) •n. the part of the axis, or stem, below the cotyledons in the embryo of a plant [HYPO- + COTYL(EDON)]

hypocrisy (hi päk´rэ si:) pl. -sies •n. a pretending to be what one is not, or to feel what one does not feel; esp., a pretense of virtue, piety, etc. [ME ipocrisie < OFr < L hypocrisis, mimicry (in LL(Ec), pretended sanctity) < Gr hypokrisis, acting a part (in LXX and N.T., hypocrisy) < hypokrinesthai, to play a part < hypo-, HYPO- + krinesthai, to dispute < krinein, to separate: see HARVEST]

hypocrite (hip´э krit') •n. a person who pretends to be what he or she is not; one who pretends to be better than is really so, or to be pious, virtuous, etc. without really being so hyp'o·crit´i·cal (-krit´i kэl) •adj. hyp'o·crit´i·cal·ly •adv. [ME ipocrite < OFr < L hypocrita, stage actor (in LL(Ec), hypocrite) < Gr hypokritēs, an actor (in LXX & N.T., a pretender, hypocrite) < hypokrinesthai: see HYPOCRISY]

hypocycloid (hai'pou sai´kloid', -pэ-; also hip'ou-, hip'э-) •n. Geom. the curve traced by a point on the circumference of a circle that rolls around the inner circumference of another circle: see EPICYCLOID [HYPO- + CYCLOID]

hypoderm (hai´pou dørm', -pэ-; hip´ou-, -э-) •n. HYPODERMIS Also hy'po·der´ma (-dør´mэ) Etymology [ModL: see HYPO- & DERMA¹]

hypodermal (hai'pou dør´mэl, -pэ-; hip'ou-, -э-) •adj. 1 of the hypodermis 2 lying under the epidermis

hypodermic (hai'pou dør´mik, -pэ-) •adj. 1 of the parts under the skin 2 injected under the skin 3 of the hypodermis 4 stimulating or exciting, as though resulting from a hypodermic injection •n. 1 HYPODERMIC INJECTION 2 HYPODERMIC SYRINGE hy'po·der´mi·cal·ly •adv. [HYPODERM + -IC]

hypodermic injection the injection of a medicine or drug under the skin

hypodermic syringe a piston syringe attached to a hollow metal needle (hypodermic needle) and used for giving hypodermic injections

hypodermis (hai'pou dør´mis, -pэ-; hip'ou-, -э-) •n. 1 Bot. a specialized layer of cells, as for support or water storage, lying immediately beneath the epidermis of a plant organ 2 Zool. a layer of cells that lies beneath, and secretes, the cuticle of annelids, arthropods, etc. [ModL: see HYPO- & DERMIS]

hypoeutectic (hai'pou'yu: tek´tik, hip'ou'-) •adj. containing less of the secondary component than is present in a eutectic solution or alloy hy'po·eu·tec´toid •adj.

hypogastrium (hai'pou gæs´tri: эm, hip'ou-) pl. -tri·a (-э) •n. the lower, middle region of the abdomen hy'po·gas´tric •adj. [ModL < Gr hypogastrion, lower belly, neut. of hypogastrios, abdominal < hypo-, HYPO- + gastēr, the belly: see GASTRO-]

hypogeal (hai'pou ji:´эl, hip'ou-) •adj. 1 of, or occurring in, the region below the surface of the earth 2 a) Bot. growing or maturing underground, as peanuts or truffles (said esp. of cotyledons) b) Zool. burrowing, living, or developing beneath the ground, as certain insect larvae: see EPIGEAL Also hy'po·ge´an [< LL hypogeus, underground (< Gr hypogaios < hypo-, under + gē, earth) + -AL]

hypogene (hai´pou ji:n', hip´ou-) •adj. Geol. 1 produced or formed within the earth, as plutonic and metamorphic rocks 2 designating minerals or ore deposits formed by waters ascending from great depths [HYPO- + Gr -genēs: see -GEN]

hypogenous (hai päj´э nэs, hi-) •adj. growing on the lower surface of something, as spores on the underside of some fern leaves: see EPIGENOUS [HYPO- + -GENOUS]

hypogeous (hai'pou ji:´эs, hip'ou-) •adj. HYPOGEAL

hypogeum (-ji:´эm) pl. -ge´a (-э) •n. an underground cellar, vault, tomb, etc. [L < Gr hypogaios: see HYPOGEAL]

hypogeusia (hai'pou gyu:´si: э, -ju:´-) •n. a disease characterized by a decreased ability to taste and, sometimes, to smell: associated with a zinc deficiency

hypoglossal (hai'pou gläs´эl, -glös´-; hip'ou-) •adj. under the tongue; esp., designating or of the motor nerves of the tongue •n. a hypoglossal nerve [HYPO- + GLOSSAL]

hypoglycemia (-glai si:´mi: э) •n. an abnormally low concentration of sugar in the blood hy'po·gly·ce´mic (-mik) •adj. [ModL < HYPO- + Gr glykys (see GLYCERIN) + -EMIA]

hypognathous (hai päg´nэ θэs, hi-) •adj. having a protruding lower jaw [HYPO- + -GNATHOUS]

hypogynous (hai päj´э nэs, hi-) •adj. designating petals, sepals, and stamens that are attached to the receptacle, below and free from the pistil, as in a tulip: see PERIGYNOUS, EPIGYNOUS hy·pog´y·ny (-ni:) •n. [HYPO- + -GYNOUS]

hypoid gear (hai´poid') a curved-tooth bevel gear in a system in which the axis of the driving shaft does not intersect with the axis of the driven shaft [contr. < hyperboloidal < HYPERBOL(A) + -OID + -AL]

hypokinesis (hai'pou ki ni:´sis, -kai-) •n. a condition of abnormally diminished muscular movement Also hy'po·ki·ne´sia (-zhэ) hy'po·ki·net´ic (-net´ik) •adj. [ModL < HYPO- + Gr kinēsis, motion < kinein, to move: see CITE]

hypolimnion (-lim´ni: än', -эn) •n. an unfrozen lake's cold, lowermost, stagnant layer of oxygen-poor water that is below the thermocline: see EPILIMNION [ModL < HYPO- + Gr limnion, dim. of limnē, a pool of standing water]

hypomania (hai'pÖ mei´ni: э, -mein´yэ; hip'ou-) •n. a mild form of mania, specif. of the manic phase of manic-depressive psychosis hy'po·man´ic (-mæn´ik) •adj. [HYPO- + -MANIA]

hyponasty (hai´pou næs'ti:, hip'ou-) •n. Bot. the condition in which an organ, as a leaf, turns upward because of the more rapid growth of the bottom layers of cells: opposed to EPINASTY hy'po·nas´tic •adj. [< HYPO- + -NASTY]

hyponitrite (hai'pou nai´trait', -pэ-) •n. 1 a salt of hyponitrous acid containing the monovalent negative radical NO or the divalent negative radical N2O2 2 an uncharged ester of this acid

hyponitrous acid (-nai'trэs) a very unstable dibasic acid, HON:NOH, that is an active reducing and oxidizing agent

hypophosphate (hai'pou fäs´feit', -pэ-) •n. 1 a salt of hypophosphoric acid containing any of several negative radicals, monovalent HP2O6, divalent H2P2O6, trivalent H3P2O6, or tetravalent P2O6 2 an uncharged ester of this acid

hypophosphite (-fäs´fait') •n. 1 a salt of hypophosphorous acid containing the monovalent negative radical H2PO2 2 an uncharged ester of this acid

hypophosphoric acid (hai'pou'fäs för'ik, -pэ-) an acid, H4P2O6, obtained when phosphorus is slowly oxidized in moist air

hypophosphorous acid (hai'pou fäs'fэ rэs, -pэ-) a monobasic acid of phosphorus, H3PO2: it is a strong reducing agent

hypophysis (hai päf´э sis, hi-) pl. -ses' (-si:z) •n. PITUITARY GLAND [ModL < Gr, undergrowth, process < hypophyein < hypo-, under + phyein, to grow: see BE]

hypopituitarism (hai'pou'pi tu:´i tэ riz'эm, -tyu:´-) •n. 1 deficient activity of the pituitary gland, esp. of its anterior lobe 2 the condition resulting from this, characterized by decreased growth in children or decreased activity of the gonads, thyroid gland, or adrenal glands hy'po'pi·tu´i·tar'y (-ter'i:) •adj.