saunter (sön´tэr) •vi. to walk about idly; stroll •n. 1 a leisurely and aimless walk; stroll 2 a slow, leisurely gait saun´ter·er •n. [LME santren, to muse, meditate < ?]
-saur (sör) combining form lizard {dinosaur} [< Gr sauros, lizard]
saurel (sör´эl) •n. HORSE MACKEREL (sense 2) [Fr < Prov < LL saurus < Gr sauros, horse mackerel, lizard]
saurian (sör´i: эn) •n. LIZARD •adj. of, or having the characteristics of, lizards [< fol. + -IAN]
sauro- (sör´э, -ou) combining form lizard {saurian}: also, before a vowel, saur- [ModL < Gr sauros, lizard]
sauropod (sör´э päd') •n. any of a superfamily (Sauropoda, order Saurischia) of gigantic, plant-eating, four-footed dinosaurs with a long neck and tail, five-toed limbs, and a small head, as a brontosaur •adj. of the sauropods [< ModL Sauropoda: see SAURO- & -PODA]
-saurus (sör´эs) combining form Zool. lizard: used to form the scientific names of certain genera of reptiles {Brontosaurus} [< Gr sauros, lizard]
saury (sör´i:) pl. -ries •n. any of a family (Scomberesocidae, order Atheriniformes) of small, marine bony fishes that live near the surface of temperate seas, with a long slender body, projecting beak, and series of small fins following the dorsal and anal fins [prob. < ModL saurus, fish < Gr sauros, horse mackerel, lizard]
sausage (sö´sij) •n. pork or other meat, chopped fine, highly seasoned, and either stuffed into membranous casings of varying size, as bologna or salami, or made into patties for cooking [ME sausige < NormFr saussiche, for OFr saulcisse < VL salsicia < L salsus: see SAUCE]
Saussure (sou sür´), Fer·di·nand de (fer di: näñ´ dэ) 1857-1913; Swiss linguist
sauté (sö tei´, sou-) •adj. fried quickly in a little fat •vt. -téed´, -té´ing to fry quickly in a pan with a little fat •n. a sautéed dish [Fr, pp. of sauter, to leap < L saltare: see SALTANT]
Sauternes (sou tørn´; Fr sou teřn´) •n. 1 a sweet white wine produced in SW France near the Bordeaux region 2 [often s-] any of various white wines, of varying sweetness, produced elsewhere: also Sau·terne (sou tørn´, -tern´; sö-) [Fr sauternes, after Sauternes, town in Gironde, France]
sauve qui peut (souv ki: pö´) escape if you can! a frantic rush to escape: usually sauve-qui-peut •n. [Fr, (let him) save (himself) who can]
sauvignon blanc (sou vi: nyouñ´ bläñ´; occas. bläŋk´) 1 [also S- B-] a white grape of Bordeaux, used in making such wines as Graves and Sauternes 2 a dry white wine made entirely or mainly from this grape, esp. in California [Fr]
Sava (sä´vä) river in S Europe, flowing from Slovenia eastward into the Danube: c. 450 mi. (724 km): see BALKAN PENINSULA, map
savage (sæv´ij) •adj. 1 wild, uncultivated, rugged, etc. {a savage jungle} 2 fierce; ferocious; untamed {a savage tiger} 3 without civilization; primitive; barbarous {a savage tribe} 4 lacking polish; crude; rude 5 cruel; pitiless 6 furious; ill-tempered •n. 1 [Archaic] a member of a nonliterate culture, often having a tribal way of life 2 a fierce, brutal person 3 a crude, boorish person •vt. -aged, -ag·ing to attack in a violent or brutal way SYN. BARBARIAN sav´age·ly •adv. sav´age·ness •n. [ME sauvage < OFr salvage < VL salvaticus, wild < L silvaticus, belonging to a wood, wild < silva, a wood: see SYLVAN]
savagery (-ri:) pl. -ries •n. 1 the condition of being savage, or wild, primitive, uncultivated, etc. 2 savage act, behavior, or disposition; barbarity
Savaii (sä vai´i:) largest & westernmost island of Western Samoa: 662 sq. mi. (1,715 sq. km)
savanna or savannah (sэ væn´э) •n. a treeless plain or a grassland characterized by scattered trees, esp. in tropical or subtropical regions having seasonal rains [Sp sabana, earlier zavana < the Taino name]
Savannah (sэ væn´э) 1 river forming the border between Ga. & S.C., flowing southeast into the Atlantic: 314 mi. (506 km) 2 seaport in SE Ga., near the mouth of this river: pop. 138,000 [< ? a name for the Shawnees in an unidentified Amerindian language]
savant (sэ vänt´, -vænt´; also sæv´эnt; Fr, så väñ´) pl. -vants´ (-vänts´, -эnts; Fr, -väñ´) •n. a learned person; eminent scholar [Fr, orig. prp. of savoir < L sapere: see SAP¹]
savate (sэ vät´, -væt´) •n. a form of boxing in which stiff-legged kicks as well as punches may be used [Fr, orig., old shoe: see SABOT]
save¹ (seiv) saved, sav´ing •vt. 1 to rescue or preserve from harm, danger, injury, etc.; make or keep safe 2 to keep in health and well-being: now only in certain formulas {God save the king!} 3 to preserve for future use; lay by: often with up 4 to prevent or guard against loss or waste of {to save time, to save a game} 5 to avoid, prevent, lessen, or guard against {to save wear and tear} 6 to treat or use carefully in order to preserve, lessen wear, etc. 7 Theol. to deliver from sin and its penalties •vi. 1 to avoid expense, loss, waste, etc.; be economical 2 to keep something or someone from danger, harm, etc. 3 to put by money or goods; hoard: often with up 4 to keep; last 5 Theol. to bring about deliverance from sin and its penalties •n. Sports an action that keeps an opponent from scoring or winning SYN. RESCUE sav´a·ble or save´a·ble •adj. sav´er •n. [ME saven < OFr sauver, salver < L salvare < salvus, SAFE]
save² (seiv) •prep. except; but conj. 1 except; but 2 [Archaic] unless [ME sauf < OFr, lit., SAFE: sense developed from use in absolute constructions, e.g. sauf le droit, right (being) safe]
save-all (seiv´öl') •n. any of a number of devices which prevent waste or loss; specif., a) a sail placed to catch wind passing by the regular sails b) a net spread between a ship and pier while cargo is being loaded or unloaded
saveloy (sæv´э loi') •n. a highly seasoned, dried English sausage [altered < Fr cervelas < MFr cervelat < It cervellata, assoc. with cervello, the brains, used in making it (< L cerebellum: see CEREBELLUM); orig., however, prob. a deer-meat sausage < cervo, stag < L cervus: see CERVID]
savin or savine (sæv´in) •n. 1 a low, spreading Eurasian juniper (Juniperus sabina) of E North America and Europe, whose leaves and tops yield an oil (savin oil) used in perfumery 2 RED CEDAR (sense 1a) [ME savin < OE safene & OFr savine, both < L (herba) Sabina, lit., Sabine (herb), savin]
saving¹ (sei´viŋ) •adj. that saves; specif., a) rescuing; preserving b) economizing or economical c) containing an exception; making a reservation {a saving clause} d) compensating; redeeming {a saving grace} •n. 1 the act of one that saves 2 [often pl., with sing. v.] any reduction in expense, time, labor, etc. {a saving(s) of 10% is effected} 3 a) anything saved b) [pl.] sums of money saved 4 Law a reservation; exception
saving² (sei´viŋ) •prep. [Now Rare] 1 with due respect for {saving your presence} 2 with the exception of; except; save conj. [Now Rare] except; save
savings account an account in a bank on which interest is paid
savings and loan association a depositor-owned organization that solicits savings to be placed in saving accounts or in share accounts, on which interest or dividends are paid, and from which mortgage loans on homes or real estate are made
savings bank 1 a bank in which savings may be deposited; esp., a banking establishment whose business is to receive and invest depositors' savings, on which it pays interest Æ 2 a small container with a slot for receiving coins to be saved
savior or saviour (seiv´yэr) •n. a person who saves: see SAVE¹ (vi. 2 & 5) [S-] 1 God 2 Jesus Christ [ME sauveour < OFr < LL salvator, one who saves (< L salvare, to SAVE¹), in LL(Ec), the Savior, Jesus, transl. of Gr(Ec) sōtēr]
Savoie (så vwå´) Fr. name of SAVOY
savoir-faire (sæv´wär fer´; Fr så vwåř feř´) •n. ready knowledge of what to do or say, and of when and how to do or say it SYN. TACT [Fr, to know (how) to do]
savoir-vivre (så vwåř vi:´vřª) •n. ability to live life well and with intelligent enjoyment, meeting every situation with poise, good manners, and elegance [Fr, to know (how) to live]
Savonarola (sä'vô nä řô´lä; E sæv'э nэ rou´lэ), Gi·ro·la·mo (ji: řô´lä mô') 1452-98; It. monk: religious & political reformer: burned at the stake for heresy
savor (sei´vэr) •n. 1 a) that quality of a thing which acts on the sense of taste or of smell b) a particular taste or smell 2 characteristic quality; distinctive property 3 perceptible trace; tinge 4 power to excite interest, zest, etc. 5 [Archaic] repute •vi. 1 to have the particular taste, smell, or quality; smack (of) 2 to show traces or signs (of) {rudeness savoring of contempt} •vt. 1 to be the source of the flavor or scent of; season 2 to taste or smell, esp. with relish 3 to enjoy with appreciation; dwell on with delight Brit. sp. sa´vour sa´vor·er •n. sa´vor·less •adj. sa´vor·ous •adj. [ME < OFr savour < L sapor, akin to sapere: see SAP¹]
savory¹ (sei´vэr i:) -vor·i·er, -vor·i·est •adj. 1 pleasing to the taste or smell; appetizing 2 pleasant, agreeable, attractive, etc. 3 morally acceptable; respectable 4 salty or piquant; not sweet {a savory relish} •n. pl. -vor·ies in England and Canada, a small, highly seasoned portion of food served at the end of a meal or as an appetizer Brit. sp. sa´vour·y sa´vor·i·ly •adv. sa´vor·i·ness •n. [ME savouri < OFr savouré, pp. of savourer, to taste < savour, SAVOR]
savory² (sei´vэr i:) •n. any of a genus (Satureja) of aromatic mints; esp., summer savory (S. hortensis) and winter savory (S. montana), both native to Europe and used in cooking [ME saverey < OFr savoreie, altered (prob. by assoc. with savour, SAVOR) < L satureia, savory]
savoy (sэ voi´) •n. a kind of cabbage with crinkled leaves and a compact head: also savoy cabbage [Fr (chou de) Savoie, (cabbage of) Savoy] Savoy (sэ voi´) region in SE France, on the borders of Italy & Switzerland: a former duchy & part of the kingdom of Sardinia: annexed by France (1860)
Savoyard (sэ voi´эrd, sæv'oi yärd´; Fr så vwå yæř´) •n. a native or inhabitant of Savoy •adj. of Savoy, its people or culture
savvy (sæv´i:) -vied, -vy·ing •vi. [Slang] to understand; get the idea •n. [Slang] 1 shrewdness or understanding 2 know-how •adj. -vi·er, -vi·est [Slang] shrewd or discerning [< one or more varieties of Pidgin English < Portuguese sabe, 3rd pers. sing. of saber, to know < L sapere: see SAP¹]
saw grass any of a number of related sedges with saw-edged leaves; esp., the Jamaica saw grass (Cladium jamaicense) found in the SE U.S. [see SEDGE]
saw log a log large enough for sawing into lumber
saw palmetto a shrubby palm plant (Serenoa repens) with fan-shaped leaves and spiny leafstalks, native to the SE U.S.
saw set an instrument used to set, or bend slightly outward, the teeth of a saw
saw¹ (sö) •n. 1 a) a cutting tool, of various shapes and sizes and worked by hand or machinery, consisting essentially of a thin blade or disk of metal, usually steel, the edge of which is a series of sharp teeth b) any of various tools or devices somewhat like this but with a sharp edge instead of teeth 2 a machine for operating a saw or saws •vt. sawed, sawed or [Chiefly Brit.] sawn, saw´ing 1 to cut or divide with a saw 2 to shape or form with a saw 3 to make sawlike cutting motions through (the air, etc.) 4 to operate or produce with a to-and-fro motion suggestive of that used in working a saw {to saw a knife through meat, to saw a tune on a fiddle} •vi. 1 to cut with or as with a saw or as a saw does 2 to be cut with a saw {wood that saws easily} 3 to make sawlike cutting motions Æ saw wood [Slang] to snore or sleep saw´er •n. [ME sawe < OE sagu, akin to Ger säge, Du zaag < IE base *sek-, to cut, > L secare, to cut, OE seax, knife]
saw² (sö) •n. an old saying, often repeated; maxim; proverb SYN. SAYING [ME sawe < OE sagu: see SAY]
saw³ (sö) •vt., vi. pt. of SEE¹
Sawatch Mountains (sэ wäch´) range of the Rocky Mountains, in central Colo.: highest peak, Mount ELBERT [< ? AmInd name]
sawbones (sö´bounz') •n. [Slang] a doctor; esp., a surgeon
sawbuck (-bûk') •n. 1 a sawhorse, esp. one with the legs projecting above the crossbar 2 [Slang] a ten-dollar bill [from the resemblance of the crossed legs of a sawbuck to an X (the Roman numeral for 10)] [Du zaagbok < zaag, SAW¹ + bok, BUCK¹]
sawdust (-dûst') •n. minute particles of wood formed in sawing wood
sawed-off (söd´öf') •adj. Æ 1 designating a shotgun with the barrel cut off short Æ 2 [Colloq.] short in stature {a skinny, sawed-off man}
sawfish (sö´fish') pl. (see FISH) -fish' •n.or -fish'es any of an order (Pristiformes) of large, tropical, sharklike rays, having the head prolonged into a flat, sawlike snout edged with large teeth on either side
sawfly (-flai') pl. -flies' •n. any of various four-winged hymenopteran insects (esp. families Tenthredinidae and Cimbicidae): the abdomen of the female is provided with a pair of sawlike organs that cut into plants, the eggs being then deposited in the cuts
sawhorse (-hörs') •n. a rack on which wood is placed while being sawed
sawmill (-mil') •n. 1 a factory or place where logs are sawed into boards 2 a large sawing machine
sawn (sön) •vt., vi. chiefly Brit. pp. of SAW¹
saw-toothed (sö´tu:θt') •adj. having notches along the edge like the teeth of a saw; serrate Also saw´tooth'
saw-whet owl (sö´hwet', -wet') a very small North American forest owl (Aegolius acadicus) with brown-and-white plumage [echoic]
sawyer (sö´yэr) •n. 1 a person whose work is sawing wood, as into planks and boards Æ 2 a log or tree caught in a river so that its branches saw back and forth with the water Æ 3 any of a genus (Monochamus) of brown-and-gray, long-horned beetles whose larvae burrow into wood [ME sawier for sawere, with -ier < OFr suffix -ier: see CLOTHIER, LAWYER]
sax (sæks) •n. [Colloq.] short for SAXOPHONE Sax 1 Saxon 2 Saxony
saxatile (sæk´sэ til) •adj. SAXICOLOUS [L saxatilis < saxum, a rock: prob. akin to secare, to cut: see SAW¹]
Saxe (såks; E sæks) Fr. name of SAXONY: used in the names of several former duchies of the German Empire, now mostly in Thuringia, as Saxe-Co·burg Go·tha (kou´bûrg gou´θэ), a duchy of central Germany, divided (1920) between Thuringia & Bavaria: former name (1901-17) of the Brit. royal house of Windsor: see also ALBERT, Prince
saxhorn (sæks´hörn') •n. any of a group of valved brass band instruments, with a full, even tone and a wide range [after A. J. Sax (1814-94), Belgian inventor]
saxicolous (sæks'ik´э lэs) Biol. living on or among rocks Also sax·ic´o·line' (-lain', -lin) •adj. [< L saxum, a rock (see SAXATILE) + colere, to dwell + -OUS]
saxifrage (sæk´sэ frij') •n. any of a genus (Saxifraga) of chiefly perennial plants of the saxifrage family, with small, white, yellow, purple, or pinkish, flowers, and leaves massed usually at the base of the plant •adj. designating a family (Saxifragaceae, order Rosales) of dicotyledonous plants found chiefly in the North Temperate and Arctic zones, including the currants and gooseberries [ME < MFr < L saxifraga < saxum, a rock (see SAXATILE) + base of frangere, to BREAK: prob. from growing in rock crevices]
saxitoxin (sæk´sэ tæk'sin) •n. a powerful toxin that causes partial paralysis, sometimes found in shellfish that have fed on certain dinoflagellates (esp. genus Gonyaulax)
Saxo Grammaticus (sæk´sou grэ mæt´i kэs) c. 1150-c. 1220; Dan. historian
Saxon (sæk´sэn) •n. 1 a member of an ancient Germanic people of northern Germany: some Saxons invaded and conquered parts of England in the 5th and 6th cent. A.D. 2 ANGLO-SAXON (n. 1 & 4) 3 a native or inhabitant of modern Saxony 4 any of the Low German dialects of the Saxon peoples, as the dialect of modern Saxony •adj. 1 of the Saxons, their language, etc. 2 English or Anglo-Saxon 3 of modern Saxony [ME < LL Saxo, pl. Saxones < WGmc name > OE Seaxan < base akin to OHG sahs, sword, knife & L saxum, rock, stone, secare, to cut (see SAW¹): hence, orig. ? knife bearers]
Saxonism (-iz'эm) •n. a word, phrase, etc. of Anglo-Saxon origin
Saxony (sæk´sэ ni:) 1 region of E Germany: formerly an electorate, kingdom, Prussian province, & state of the Weimar Republic 2 state of E Germany: 6,564 sq. mi. (17,000 sq. km); pop. 4,900,000; cap. Dresden 3 medieval duchy at the base of the Jutland peninsula in what is now Lower Saxony •n. 1 a fine wool fabric with a soft finish [because first produced in SAXONY (region in S East Germany)] 2 a closely twisted yarn used for knitting [LL Saxonia]
Saxony-Anhalt (sæk´sэ ni: än´hält') state of E Germany: 9,653 sq. mi. (25,000 sq. km); pop. 3,000,000; cap. Halle
saxophone (sæk´sэ foun') •n. any of a group of keyed woodwind instruments having a single reed, conical bore, and metal body, usually curved sax'o·phon´ic (-fän´ik) •adj. sax´o·phon'ist (-foun'ist) •n. [Fr, after A. J. Sax (see SAXHORN) + -PHONE]
saxtuba (sæks´tu:'bэ) •n. a large, bass saxhorn [SAX(HORN) + TUBA]
say (sei) said, say´ing •vt. ; 3d pers. sing., pres. indic., says (sez) 1 to utter, pronounce, or speak 2 to express in words; state; declare; tell 3 to state positively, with assurance, or as an opinion {who can say what will be?} 4 to indicate or show {the clock says ten} 5 to recite; repeat {to say one's prayers} 6 to estimate; assume; hypothesize {he is, I'd say, forty} 7 to allege; report {people say he's angry} 8 to communicate (an idea, feeling, etc.) {a painting that says nothing} •vi. to make a statement; speak; express an opinion •n. 1 a chance to speak {to have one's say} 2 power or authority, as to make or help make a final decision: often with the 3 [Archaic] what a person says; dictum •adv. 1 for example {any fish, say perch} 2 about; nearly {costing, say, 10 dollars} •interj. an exclamation used to express surprise, admiration, etc. go without saying to be too obvious to need explanation; be self-evident that is to say in other words; that means to say the least to understate you can say that again! [Colloq.] I agree with you! say´er •n. [ME seien (< orig. 3d pers. sing., pres. indic.), seggen < OE secgan, akin to sagu, a saying, tale (ON saga), Ger sagen, to say < IE base *sekw-, to note, see, show, say (> SEE¹, L inseque (imper.), tell!), orig., to follow > L sequi]
Sayan Mountains (sä yän´) mountain system in central Asia, partially along the Mongolian-R.S.F.S.R. border: highest peak, 11,453 ft. (3,490 m)
saying (sei´iŋ) •n. 1 the act of one who says 2 something said; esp., an adage, proverb, or maxim SYN.—saying is the simple, direct term for any pithy expression of wisdom or truth; a saw is an old, homely saying that is well worn by repetition [the preacher filled his sermon with wise saws]; a maxim is a general principle drawn from practical experience and serving as a rule of conduct (Ex.: Keep thy shop and thy shop will keep thee); an adage is a saying that has been popularly accepted over a long period of time (Ex.: Where there's smoke, there's fire); a proverb is a piece of practical wisdom expressed in homely, concrete terms (Ex.: A penny saved is a penny earned); a motto is a maxim accepted as a guiding principle or as an ideal of behavior (Ex.: Honesty is the best policy); an aphorism is a terse saying embodying a general, more or less profound truth or principle (Ex.: He is a fool that cannot conceal his wisdom); an epigram is a terse, witty, pointed statement that gains its effect by ingenious antithesis (Ex.: The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it)
sayonara (sä'yô nä´řä) •n., interj. farewell [Jpn, lit., if it is to be that way < sayō, that way + nara, if]
says (sez) •vt., vi. 3d pers. sing., pres. indic., of SAY
say-so (sei´sou') •n. [Colloq.] 1 (one's) word, opinion, assurance, etc. 2 right of decision; authority
sayyid or sayid (sä´yid) •n. a Muslim title of respect, specif. for certain descendants of Mohammed [Ar sayyid]
sb substantive Sb Chem. symbol for antimony [L stibium]
SB or S.B. Bachelor of Science [L Scientiae Baccalaureus]
SBA Small Business Administration
SbE south by east
'sblood (zblûd) •interj. [Obs.] euphemistic contr. of God's blood: used as a swearword
SbW south by west
Sc 1 Chem. symbol for scandium 2 Scotch 3 Scots 4 Scottish sc 1 scale 2 scene 3 science 4 scilicet 5 screw 6 scruple 7 sculpsit 8 Printing small capitals SC 1 Security Council (of the UN) 2 Signal Corps 3 South Carolina: also S.C. 4 Supreme Court
scab (skæb) •n. 1 a crust that forms over a sore or wound during healing 2 a mangy skin disease, as scabies, of animals, esp. sheep 3 a) any of various plant diseases characterized by roughened, scablike spots on leaves, stems, or fruits b) any such spot 4 a) [Old Slang] a low, contemptible fellow; scoundrel Æ b) a worker who refuses to join a union, or who works for lower wages or under different conditions than those accepted by the union c) a worker who refuses to strike, or who takes the place of a striking worker •vi. scabbed, scab´bing 1 to become covered with a scab; form a scab Æ 2 to work or act as a scab [ME scabbe < ON skabb, akin to OE sceabb < IE base *(s)kep-, to cut, split > L scabies, SCABIES, scabere, to SHAVE]
scabbard (skæb´эrd) •n. a sheath or case to hold the blade of a sword, dagger, etc.: see SWORD, illus. •vt. to put into a scabbard; sheathe [ME scabarde, earlier scauberc < Anglo-Fr escaubers (pl.) < ? OHG scar, sword, cutting tool (akin to SHEAR) + bergan, to hide, protect: see BURY]
scabbard fish any of several ocean fishes with an elongated, compressed, silvery body, as a cutlass fish
scabble (skæb´эl) -bled, -bling •vt. to dress or shape (stone) roughly [earlier scapple < ME scaplen, aphetic < OFr escapeler, to dress timber < es- (< L ex), intens. + chapler, to cut < Gmc *kappan, to split]
scabby (skæb´i:) -bi·er, -bi·est •adj. 1 covered with or consisting of scabs 2 diseased with scab 3 low; base; mean scab´bi·ly •adv. scab´bi·ness •n.
scabies (skei´bi:z, -bi: i:z') •n. a contagious skin disease caused by a parasitic mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) that burrows under the skin to deposit eggs, causing intense itching sca'bi·et´ic (-bi: et´ik) •adj. [L, roughness, itch: see SCAB]
scabiosa (skei'bi: ou´sэ) •n. any of genus (Scabiosa) of plants of the teasel family, having showy, variously colored flowers in flattened or dome-shaped heads, as the sweet scabiosa (S. atropurpurea), often cultivated as a garden flower [ModL; once considered a remedy for the itch: see SCABIOUS1]
scabious¹ (skei´bi: эs) •adj. 1 covered with scabs; scabby 2 of or like scabies [< Fr or L: Fr scabieux < L scabiosus < scabies: see SCAB]
scabious² (skei´bi: эs) •n. SCABIOSA
scabrous (skæb´rэs, skei´brэs) •adj. 1 a) rough with small points or knobs, like a file; scaly or scabby b) marked with or as with scabs; blotchy, encrusted, etc. 2 full of difficulties 3 indecent, shocking, improper, scandalous, etc. scab´rous·ly •adv. scab´rous·ness •n. [LL scabrosus < L scabere, to scratch: see SCAB]
scad¹ (skæd) pl. scad or scads any of various edible jack fishes (esp. genus Decapterus) •n. [akin to SHAD]
scad² (skæd) •n. [usually pl.] Æ [Colloq.] a very large number or amount {scads of money} [< ?]
Scafell Pike (skö´fel) peak of a mountain in Cumberland, NW England, the highest in England: 3,210 ft. (978 m)
scaffold (skæf´эld, -ould') •n. 1 a temporary wooden or metal framework for supporting workmen and materials during the erecting, repairing, or painting of a building, etc. 2 a raised platform on which criminals are executed, as by hanging 3 a temporary wooden stage or platform, as that on which medieval plays were presented 4 any raised framework •vt. to furnish or support with, or put on, a scaffold [ME scafald < OFr escafalt < es- (L ex-, out) + VL *catafalicum: see CATAFALQUE]
scaffolding (-эl diŋ') •n. 1 the poles, planks, etc. that form a scaffold 2 a scaffold or system of scaffolds
scag (skæg) •n. [Slang] HEROIN [< ?]
scagliola (skæl you´lэ) •n. an imitation marble made of gypsum and an adhesive, with colored stone dust or chips set into the surface [It scagliuola, dim. of scaglia, a chip, shell < Goth skalja, SCALE²]
scalable (skeil´э bэl) •adj. that can be scaled
scalage (skeil´ij) •n. 1 the percentage by which a figure, as for weight, price, etc., is scaled down to allow for shrinkage, etc. 2 the estimate of lumber in a log being scaled
scalar (skei´lэr) •adj. 1 in, on, or involving a scale or scales 2 Math. designating or of a quantity that has magnitude but no direction in space, as volume or temperature •n. a scalar quantity: distinguished from VECTOR (n. 2a) [L scalaris, of a ladder < scalae, steps, ladder: see SCALE¹]
scalar product the product of the lengths of two vectors and the cosine of the angle between them
scalare (skэ ler´i:, -lär´-) •n. any of a genus (Pterophyllum) of freshwater cichlid fishes of N South America, having a flattened body and transparent pectoral fins; angelfish: popular as an aquarium fish [ModL < L, neut. of scalaris, ladderlike (see SCALAR): from the lateral markings]
scalariform (skэ lær´э förm') •adj. like a ladder; esp., having markings or transverse ridges like the rungs of a ladder [< L scalaris (see SCALAR) + -FORM]
scalawag (skæl´э wæg') •n. 1 [Colloq.] a scamp; rascal 2 a Southern white who supported the Republicans during the Reconstruction: an opprobrious term used by Southern Democrats [< ?]
scald¹ (sköld) •vt. 1 to burn or injure with hot liquid or steam 2 to heat almost to the boiling point 3 to use boiling liquid on; specif., a) to sterilize by the use of boiling liquid b) to loosen the skin of (fruit, etc.), the feathers of (poultry), or the like, by the use of boiling water •vi. to be or become scalded •n. 1 a burn or injury caused by scalding 2 the act or an instance of scalding 3 short for SUNSCALD [ME scalden < NormFr escalder, for OFr eschalder < LL excaldare, to wash in warm water < L ex-, intens. + calidus, hot, akin to calere, to be warm: see CALORIE]
scald² (sköld, skäld) •n. var. of SKALD scald´ic •adj.
scale insect any of various families of small homopteran insects destructive to plants: the females secrete a round, wax scale under which they live and lay their eggs
scale¹ (skeil) •n. 1 orig., a) a ladder or flight of stairs b) any means of ascent 2 a) a series of marks along a line, at regular or graduated intervals, used in measuring or registering something {the scale of a thermometer} b) any instrument or ruler marked in this manner 3 a) the proportion that a map, model, etc. bears to the thing that it represents; ratio between the dimensions of a representation and those of the object {a scale of one inch to a mile} b) a line marked off on a map to indicate this ratio or proportion 4 a) a system of grouping or classifying in a series of steps or degrees according to a standard of relative size, amount, rank, etc. {the social scale, a wage scale} b) a progressive graduated series, as of psychological or educational tests or scores c) any point, grade, level, or degree in such a series 5 Math. a system of numerical notation {the binary scale} 6 Music a series of tones arranged in a sequence of rising or falling pitches in accordance with any of various systems of intervals; esp., all of such a series contained in one octave: see also CHROMATIC, DIATONIC, MAJOR SCALE, MINOR SCALE •vt. scaled, scal´ing 1 a) to climb up or over; go up by or as by a ladder or by clambering b) to reach or surmount (specified heights) 2 to regulate, make, or set according to a scale 3 to measure by or as by a scale Æ 4 to measure (logs) or estimate the board feet of (timber) •vi. 1 to climb; go up 2 to go up in a graduated series on a large (or small, etc.) scale to a relatively large (or small, etc.) degree or extent Æ scale down (or up) to reduce (or increase) according to a fixed ratio or proportion scal´er •n. [ME < LL scala (in Vulg., Jacob's ladder) < L, usually as pl., scalae, flight of stairs, ladder < *scandsla < scandere, to climb: see DESCEND]
scale² (skeil) •n. 1 any of the thin, flat, overlapping, rigid, horny plates forming the outer protective covering of the body in many fishes and reptiles and of the tails of a few mammals 2 any of the structurally similar thin plates on birds' legs or certain insects' wings 3 a) the single, round plate secreted by a scale insect b) SCALE INSECT 4 any thin, flaky or platelike layer or piece, as of dry skin, mail armor, etc. 5 a flaky film of oxide that forms on heated or rusted metals 6 a coating that forms on the inside of boilers, kettles, or other metal containers that heat liquids 7 any greatly reduced scalelike leaf or bract; esp., such a modified leaf covering and protecting the bud of a seed plant •vt. scaled, scal´ing 1 to strip or scrape scales from 2 to remove in thin layers; pare down 3 to cause scales to form on; cover with scales 4 to throw (a thin, flat object) so that its edge cuts the air or so that it skips along the surface of water 5 Dentistry to remove (tartar) from the teeth with a sharp instrument •vi. 1 to flake or peel off in scales 2 to become covered with scale or scales scale´less •adj. [ME, aphetic < OFr escale, husk, shell (< Frank skala) & escaille, shell (< Goth skalja): both < Gmc *skalja, something split off < IE base *(s)kel-, to cut > SHELL, HALF]
scale³ (skeil) •n. 1 either of the shallow dishes or pans of a balance 2 [often pl.] a) BALANCE (sense 1) b) any weighing machine •vt. scaled, scal´ing 1 to weigh in scales 2 to have a weight of •vi. to be weighed [S-] [pl.] Libra, the constellation and seventh sign of the zodiac turn the scales to determine; decide [ME < ON skāl, bowl, weighing balance; akin to OHG scala, OE scealu, SHELL: see SCALE2]
scalene (skei´li:n', skei li:n´) •adj. 1 Anat. designating or of any of three deeply set muscles extending from the first two ribs to the cervical vertebrae, and serving to bend the neck 2 Geom. a) having unequal sides and angles (said of a triangle) (see TRIANGLE, illus.) b) having the axis not perpendicular to the base; oblique (said of a cone, etc.) [LL scalenus < Gr skalēnos, uneven, odd < IE base *(s)kel-, to bend, crooked > OE sceolh, squinting, L coluber, serpent]
scalenus (skei li:´nэs) •n. a scalene muscle [LL]
scaler (skeil´эr) •n. 1 a person or thing that scales 2 SCALING CIRCUIT
scaletail (skeil´teil') •n. any of a family (Anomaluridae) of African rodents that outwardly resemble flying squirrels and have scalelike structures on the lower surface of the tail
Scalia (skэ li:´э), An·to·nin (æn´tэ nin) 1936- ; U.S. jurist: associate justice, U.S. Supreme Court (1986- )
scaliness (skeil´i: nis) •n. a scaly quality or condition
scaling circuit Electronics a circuit designed to count large numbers of pulses by reducing a specified number of input pulses (usually a power of 2 or 10) to a single output pulse
scall (sköl) •n. any scaly, or scabby, disease of the skin; scurf [ME < ON skalli, bald head, akin to OE scealu, SHELL]
scallawag (skæl´э wæg') •n. var. sp. of SCALAWAG
scallion (skæl´yэn) •n. any of various onions or onionlike plants, as the shallot, green onion, or leek [ME scalon < NormFr escalogne (for OFr eschaloigne) < VL *escalonia < L (caepa) Ascalonia, (onion of) Ascalon (a city in Philistia)]
scallop (skäl´эp, skæl´-) •n. 1 any of a family (Pectinidae) of bivalves with two deeply grooved, convex shells and an earlike wing on each side of the hinge, that swims by rapidly snapping its shells together to expel water in a jetlike manner 2 the edible large adductor muscle of such a mollusk 3 the single shell of such a mollusk; specif., a) one worn formerly as a badge by pilgrims returning from the Holy Land b) one, or a dish shaped like one, in which fish or other food is baked and served 4 any of a series of curves, circle segments, projections, etc. forming an ornamental edge on cloth, lace, etc. •vt. 1 to cut the edge or border of in scallops 2 to bake until brown in a casserole, etc. with a milk sauce and bread crumbs; escallop •vi. to gather scallops scal´lop·er •n. [ME scalop < OFr escalope < escale: see SCALE²]
scallywag (skæl´э wæg') •n. SCALAWAG
scalogram (skei´lэ græm') •n. Psychol. a series of items, statements, etc. so arranged, as on a test, that attitudes, interests, etc. to be analyzed can be measured or defined by correlating responses [SCAL(E)¹ + -O- + -GRAM]
scaloppine (skäl'э pi:´ni:, skæl'-) •n. thin slices of meat, esp. veal, sautéed slowly with herbs and, usually, wine Also sp. scal'lo·pi´ni or scal'lop·pe´ni [It scaloppini, pl. of scaloppino, dim. of scaloppo, thin slice, scale, prob. < OFr escalope: see SCALLOP]
scalp (skælp) •n. 1 the skin on the top and back of the head, usually covered with hair 2 a part of this, cut or torn from the head of an enemy for a trophy, as by certain North American Indians, frontiersmen, etc. 3 a symbol, indication, or recognition of victory, prowess, etc. 4 the skin on the top of the head of a dog, wolf, etc. Æ 5 [Colloq.] a small profit made by scalping Æ vt. 1 to cut or tear the scalp from 2 a) to cheat or rob b) to defeat decisively 3 [Colloq.] to buy and sell in order to make small, quick profits 4 [Colloq.] to buy (theater tickets, etc.) for later sale at higher than regular prices Æ vi. [Colloq.] to scalp bonds, tickets, etc. scalp´er •n. [ME < Scand, as in Dan dial. skalp, pod, shell, ON skalpr, sheath < IE *skelb-, extension of base *(s)kel- > SCALE²]
scalp lock a lock or tuft of hair left on the shaven crown of the head by certain North American Indian warriors
scalpel (skæl´pэl) •n. a small, light, straight knife with a very sharp blade, used by surgeons and in anatomical dissections [L scalpellum, dim. of scalprum, a knife < scalpere, to cut < IE base *(s)kel- > SCALE²]
scaly (skei´li:) scal´i·er, scal´i·est •adj. 1 having, covered with, composed of, or resembling a scale or scales 2 shedding or yielding scales or flakes 3 full of or infested with scale insects
scaly anteater PANGOLIN
scam (skæm) •n. [Slang] a swindle or fraud; esp. a CONFIDENCE GAME •vt. scammed, scam´ming [Slang] to cheat or swindle, as in a confidence game [prob. altered < SCHEME]
Scamander (skэ mæn´dэr) ancient name of MENDERES (river in NW Turkey)
scammony (skæm´э ni:) pl. -nies •n. 1 a climbing Asian convolvulus (Convolvulus scammonia) with thick roots, arrowhead-shaped leaves, and white or purplish flowers 2 a) any of several plants whose roots yield medicinal resins; specif., Mexican scammony (Ipomoea orizabensis) of the morning-glory family b) the resin from the roots of any of these plants [ME skamonye < L scammonia < Gr skammōnia]
scamp¹ (skæmp) •n. a mischievous fellow; rascal scamp´ish •adj. [< obs. scamp, to roam; akin to SCAMPER]
scamp² (skæmp) •vt. to make, do, or perform in a careless, inadequate way scamp´er •n. [akin to or < ON skammr, short < IE base *(s)em-, stunted > OE hamola, man with cropped hair]
scamper (skæm´pэr) •vi. to run or go hurriedly or quickly •n. the act of scampering scam´per·er •n. [prob. < MFr escamper, to flee < It scampare < VL *excampare, to decamp < L ex, out + campus, field of battle: see CAMPUS]
scampi (skäm´pi:, skæm´-) pl. -pi or -pies •n. 1 any of several large, greenish prawns, valued as food 2 a large shrimp broiled or fried with its tail on and served hot [It, pl. of scampo]
scan (skæn) scanned, scan´ning •vt. 1 to analyze (verse) in terms of its rhythmic components, as by counting accents and syllables and marking the metrical feet 2 to look at closely or in a broad, searching way; scrutinize Æ 3 to glance at quickly; consider hastily 4 to examine, identify, or interpret (printed characters, video images, bar codes, etc.): said of an electronic device 5 Comput. to examine (items in a file) in sequence in order to find those that meet a particular criterion 6 Med. to examine the structure or condition of an internal body organ with ultrasound, tomography, etc. 7 Electronics to traverse (a region) with a succession of transmitted radar beams, usually radiated in a systematic pattern 8 TV to traverse (a surface) rapidly and point by point with a beam of light or electrons in transmitting or reproducing the lights and shades of an image •vi. 1 to scan verse 2 to conform to metrical principles: said of poetry •n. 1 the act or an instance of scanning 2 scope of vision SYN. SCRUTINIZE [ME scannen < L scandere, to climb, mount (in LL, to scan): see DESCEND]
Scan or Scand 1 Scandinavia 2 Scandinavian
scandal (skæn´dэl) •n. 1 orig., unseemly conduct of a religious person that discredits religion or causes moral lapse in another 2 any act, person, or thing that offends or shocks moral feelings of the community and leads to disgrace 3 a reaction of shame, disgrace, outrage, etc. caused by such an act, person, or thing 4 ignominy; disgrace 5 malicious gossip; defamatory or slanderous talk •vt. -daled or -dalled, -dal·ing or -dal·ling 1 [Now Chiefly Dial.] to slander 2 [Obs.] to disgrace [altered (infl. by Fr scandale or LL) < ME scandle < OFr escandele < LL(Ec) scandalum, cause for stumbling, temptation < Gr(Ec) skandalon, a snare: see DESCEND]
scandal sheet [Slang] a newspaper, magazine, etc. that features sensationalism, gossip, or the like
scandalize (skæn´dэ laiz') -ized', -iz'ing •vt. 1 [Now Rare] to slander; defame 2 to shock or outrage the moral feelings of; offend by some improper or unconventional conduct; shock scan'dal·i·za´tion •n. scan´dal·iz'er •n. [LME scandalyzen < OFr scandaliser < LL(Ec) scandalizare < Gr(Ec) skandalizein, to make stumble, give offense < skandalon: see SCANDAL]
scandalmonger (skæn´dэl mûŋ'gэr, -mäŋ'-) •n. a person who gossips maliciously and spreads scandal
scandalous (skæn´dэ lэs) •adj. 1 causing scandal; offensive to a sense of decency or shocking to the moral feelings of the community; shameful 2 consisting of or spreading slander; libelous; defamatory scan´dal·ous·ly •adv. scan´dal·ous·ness •n. [Fr scandaleux < ML scandalosus]
scandent (skæn´dэnt) •adj. climbing by attaching itself, as a vine [L scandens, prp. of scandere: see DESCEND]
Scanderbeg (skæn´dэr beg') (born George Castriota) c. 1403-68; Alb. leader & national hero
scandia (skæn´di: э) •n. the oxide of scandium, Sc2O3, a white, amorphous powder [ModL: see SCANDIUM]
Scandian (skæn´di: эn) •adj., n. SCANDINAVIAN
Scandinavia (skæn'dэ nei´vi: э, -vyэ) 1 region in N Europe, including Norway, Sweden, & Denmark and, sometimes, Iceland & the Faeroe Islands 2 SCANDINAVIAN PENINSULA
Scandinavian (-vi: эn, -vyэn) •adj. of Scandinavia, its people, or their languages or cultures •n. 1 a native or inhabitant of Scandinavia 2 the subbranch of the Germanic languages spoken by Scandinavians; North Germanic
Scandinavian Peninsula large peninsula in N Europe, consisting of Norway & Sweden
scandium (skæn´di: эm) •n. a rare, silvery-white, metallic chemical element occurring with various elements of the rare-earth group, used to produce high-intensity light sources, etc.: symbol, Sc; at. wt., 44.956; at. no., 21; sp. gr., 2.989; melt. pt., 1,541°C; boil. pt., 2,831°C [ModL: so named (1879) by L. F. Nilson (1840-99), Swed chemist < ML Scandia, Scandinavia (source of the ore from which it was isolated) + -IUM]
scannable (skæn´э bэl) •adj. that can be scanned
scanner (skæn´эr) •n. a person or thing that scans; esp., any device used in television, computers, etc. for scanning
scansion (skæn´shэn) •n. 1 the act of scanning, or analyzing poetry in terms of its rhythmic components 2 the graphic representation, indicated by marked accents, feet, etc., of the rhythm of a line or lines of verse [Fr < L scansio]
scansorial (skæn sör´i: эl) •adj. Zool. 1 of or adapted for climbing, as a bird's feet 2 that climbs or can climb [< L scansus, pp. of scandere, to climb: see DESCEND]
scant (skænt) •adj. 1 inadequate in size or amount; not enough; meager 2 lacking a small part of the whole; not quite up to full measure {a scant foot} •vt. 1 to limit in size or amount; stint 2 to fail to give full measure of 3 to furnish with an inadequate supply, short ration, etc. 4 to treat in an inadequate manner •adv. [Dial.] scarcely; barely SYN. MEAGER scant´ly •adv. scant´ness •n. [ME < ON skamt < skammr, short: see SCAMP²]
scantling (skænt´liŋ) •n. 1 a small quantity or amount 2 dimensions of building material 3 a small beam or timber, esp. one of small cross section, as a two-by-four 4 a small, upright timber, as in the frame of a structure [altered (as if < prec. + -LING¹) < ME scantilone, a carpenter's gauge, aphetic < NormFr escantillon, for OFr eschandillon, a measure < Prov escandil, a measure of volume < VL *scandaculum, ladder, plumb < scandere: see DESCEND]
scanty (skæn´ti:) scant´i·er, scant´i·est •adj. 1 barely sufficient; not ample; meager 2 insufficient; not enough 3 narrow; small; close SYN. MEAGER scant´i·ly •adv. scant´i·ness •n. [SCANT + -Y²]
Scapa Flow (skæp´э) sea basin in the Orkney Islands, off N Scotland: British naval base: c. 50 sq. mi. (129 sq. km)
-scape (skeip) combining form 1 a (specified) kind of view or scene {seascape} 2 a drawing, painting, etc. of such a view or scene [< (LAND)SCAPE]
scape wheel escape wheel (see ESCAPEMENT, sense 2)
scape¹ (skeip) •n. 1 a leafless flower stalk growing from the crown of the root, as that of the narcissus or dandelion 2 something like a stalk, as the shaft of a feather or of an insect's antenna 3 a) the shaft of a column b) APOPHYGE [L scapus: see SHAFT]
scape² (skeip) scaped, scap´ing •n., vt., vi. [Archaic] ESCAPE: also 'scape [ME scapen, aphetic < escapen]
scapegoat (skeip´gout') •n. 1 a goat over the head of which the high priest of the ancient Jews confessed the sins of the people on the Day of Atonement, after which it was allowed to escape: Lev. 16:7-26 2 a person, group, or thing upon whom the blame for the mistakes or crimes of others is thrust •vt., vi. to make a scapegoat of scape´goat'ing •n. [coined by William TYNDALE (1530) < SCAPE² + GOAT, prob. from LL(Vulg.) caper emissarius, lit., emissary goat, transl. of Gr(Ec) tragos aperchomenos, departing goat, used as transl. of Heb sair laazazel < sair, he-goat + l, to + azazel, prob. name of a desert demon, but ? with folk-etym. meaning goat that leaves, as if < ez (female) goat + azal, has left]
scapegrace (skeip´greis') •n. a graceless, unprincipled fellow; scamp; rogue; rascal [SCAPE² + GRACE]
scaphoid (skæf´oid') •adj., n. NAVICULAR [ModL scaphoides < Gr skaphoeidēs < skaphos, boat, hollow shell (< base of skaptein, to hollow out < IE base *(s)kap-, to split, hollow out > SHAPE) + -eides, -OID]
scaphopod (skæf´э päd') •n. any of a class (Scaphopoda) of mollusks that live in muddy or sandy sea bottoms and have slightly curved, tubular shells open at both ends with a long, pointed, protrusile foot at the larger end [< Gr skaphos, a ship (see SCAPHOID) + -POD]
scapolite (skæp´э lait') •n. any of a group of tetragonal minerals composed chiefly of silicates of aluminum, calcium, and sodium [< Gr skāpos, rod (see SHAFT) + -LITE]
scapose (skei´pous) •adj. Bot. resembling, bearing, or consisting of a scape [SCAPE¹ + -OSE²]
scapula (skæp´yэ lэ) pl. -lae' (-li:') •n.or -las either of two flat, triangular bones in the back of the shoulders of humans, or a similar bone in other vertebrates; shoulder blade: see SKELETON, illus. [ModL < L (usually pl., scapulae), orig. prob. shovel (from use of the bone as a spade): for IE base see SCAPHOID]
scapular (skæp´yэ lэr) •adj. of the shoulder, scapula, or scapulae •n. 1 a sleeveless outer garment falling from the shoulders, worn as part of a monk's habit 2 two small pieces of cloth joined by strings, worn on the chest and back, under the clothes, by some Roman Catholics as a token of religious devotion or as a badge of some order 3 a feather growing from a bird's scapular region 4 Surgery a bandage passed over the shoulder to support it or to keep another bandage in place [ModL scapularis < L scapula, scapula (in LL, shoulder)]
scapular medal R.C.Ch. a medal that has been blessed and may be substituted for a SCAPULAR (sense 2)
scar tissue the dense, fibrous, contracted connective tissue of which a scar is composed
scar¹ (skär) •n. 1 a mark left on the skin or other tissue after a wound, burn, ulcer, pustule, lesion, etc. has healed; cicatrix 2 a similar mark or cicatrix on a plant, as one on a stem where a leaf was attached 3 a marring or disfiguring mark on anything 4 the lasting mental or emotional effects of suffering or anguish •vt. scarred, scar´ring to mark with or as with a scar •vi. to form a scar in healing [ME, aphetic < MFr escarre < LL eschara < Gr, orig., fireplace, brazier]
scar² (skär) •n. [Brit.] 1 a precipitous rocky place or cliff 2 a projecting or isolated rock, as in the sea [ME skerre < ON sker: for IE base see SHEAR]
scarab (skær´эb) •n. 1 any of a large family (Scarabaeidae) of mostly stout-bodied, often brilliantly colored beetles with lamellicorn antennae, including the June bugs, cockchafers, and dung beetles 2 a) the black, winged dung beetle (Scarabaeus sacer) held sacred by the ancient Egyptians b) an image of this beetle, cut from a stone or gem, often engraved with religious or historical inscriptions on the flat underside and, formerly, esp. in ancient Egypt, worn as a charm or used as a seal [Fr scarabée < L scarabaeus, altered < ? Gr karabos, a horned beetle, crayfish]
scarabaeid (skær'э bi:´id) •n. SCARAB (sense 1) •adj. of the scarab beetles [< ModL < L scarabaeus: see SCARAB]
Scaramouch (skær´э mu:sh', -mu:ch') a stock character in old Italian comedy, depicted as a braggart and poltroon •n. [s-] a boastful coward or rascal [Fr Scaramouche < It Scaramuccia, lit., a SKIRMISH]
Scarborough (skär´bør'ou, -э; -bэ rэ) 1 city & seaside resort in NE England, in North Yorkshire: pop. 50,000 2 city in SE Ontario, Canada: part of metropolitan Toronto: pop. 485,000 [OE Scartheborc < ON Skarthaborg < Skarthi (lit., harelip, nickname of Thorgils, Norw founder of the town, c. 966) + -borg; akin to OE burg, BOROUGH]
scarce (skers) •adj. 1 not common; rarely seen 2 not plentiful; not sufficient to meet the demand; hard to get •adv. [Literary] SCARCELY make oneself scarce [Colloq.] to go or stay away scarce´ness •n. [ME scars < NormFr escars (for OFr eschars) < VL *escarpsus, for L excerptus, pp. of excerpere, to pick out, select (see EXCERPT); hence, that which is picked out and therefore scarce]
scarcely (-li:) •adv. 1 hardly; not quite; only just 2 probably not or certainly not {scarcely true}
scarcement (skers´mэnt) •n. a ledge or offset in a wall, etc. [< obs. scarce, to make less < ME scarsen < scars: see SCARCE & -MENT]
scarcity (sker´sэ ti:) pl. -ties •n. 1 the condition or quality of being scarce; inadequate supply; dearth 2 rarity; uncommonness [ME scarsite < NormFr escarseté]
scare (sker) scared, scar´ing •vt. to fill with fear or terror; esp., to frighten suddenly or startle; terrify •vi. to become frightened, esp. suddenly {a person who scares easily} •n. [ME skerre < the v.] 1 a sudden fear or panic; attack of fright, often unreasonable 2 a state of widespread fear or panic {a war scare} SYN. FRIGHTEN scare away (or off) to drive away or off by frightening Æ scare up [Colloq.] to produce or gather quickly [ME skerren < ON skirra, to scare, make timid < skjarr, timid, prob. < IE base *(s)ker-, to jump > L scurra, buffoon]
scarecrow (sker´krou') •n. 1 anything set up in a field to scare birds away from crops, usually a figure of a man made with sticks, old clothes, etc. 2 anything that frightens one but is actually not harmful 3 a person who looks or is dressed like a scarecrow
scaredy-cat (sker´di: kæt) •n. [Slang] a person who is unreasonably afraid
scarehead (-hed') •n. [Colloq.] SCREAMER
scaremonger (-mûŋ'gэr, -mäŋ'gэr) •n. a person who circulates alarming rumors scare´mon'ger·ing •n.
scarf¹ (skärf) pl. scarves (skärvz) or sometimes scarfs •n. 1 a long or broad piece of cloth worn about the neck, head, or shoulders for warmth or decoration; muffler, babushka, neckerchief, etc. 2 a long, narrow covering for a table, bureau top, etc.; runner 3 a sash worn by soldiers or officials •vt. to cover or drape with a scarf [NormFr escarpe (OFr escharpe), a purse suspended from the neck, wallet < ML scirpa, scrippa, earlier scirpea, rush pouch or basket < L scirpeus, of rushes < scirpus, a rush, bulrush]
scarf² (skärf) pl. scarfs •n. 1 a joint made by notching, grooving, or otherwise cutting the ends of two pieces and fastening them so that they lap over and join firmly into one continuous piece: also called scarf joint 2 the ends of a piece cut in this fashion Æ 3 a groove or cut made along a whale's body •vt. 1 to join by a scarf 2 to make a scarf in the end of Æ 3 to cut scarfs in and remove the skin and blubber of (a whale) [prob. < Scand, as in ON skarfr, obliquely cut beam-end < IE *skerp- < base *(s)ker-, to cut > SHEAR]
scarf³ (skärf) •vt. [Slang] to consume greedily: often with down or up [var. of dial. scaff, eat voraciously < ?]
scarfskin (-skin') •n. the outermost layer of skin; epidermis or cuticle [SCARF¹ + SKIN]
scarification (skær'э fi kei´shэn) •n. 1 the act of scarifying 2 scratches or cuts made by scarifying [ME scarificacioun < LL scarificatio]
scarificator (skær´э fi keit'эr) •n. a surgical instrument for scarifying the skin [ModL]
scarify (skær´э fai') -fied', -fy'ing •vt. 1 to make a series of small, superficial incisions or punctures in (the skin), as in surgery 2 to criticize sharply; make cutting remarks to or about 3 Agric. a) to loosen or stir (the topsoil) b) to make incisions in the coats of (seeds) in order to hasten germination scar´i·fi'er •n. [MFr scarifier < LL scarificare, altered < L scarifare < Gr skariphasthai, to scratch an outline, sketch < skariphos, pencil, stylus, akin to L scribere, to write: see SCRIBE]
scarious (sker´i: эs) •adj. Bot. dry, thin, membranous, and not green, as some bracts [ModL scariosus < L scaria, thorny shrub]
scarlatina (skär'lэ ti:´nэ) •n. nontechnical term for a mild form of SCARLET FEVER scar'la·ti´nal •adj. [ModL < ML (febris) scarlatina, scarlet (fever)]
Scarlatti (skäř lät´ti:) 1 A·les·san·dro (ä'les sän´dřô) 1660-1725; It. composer 2 (Giuseppe) Do·me·ni·co (dô me´ni: kô') 1685-1757; It. composer: son of Alessandro
scarlet (skär´lit) •n. 1 very bright red with a slightly orange tinge 2 cloth or clothing of this color •adj. 1 of this color 2 of sin; sinful; specif., whorish [ME, aphetic < OFr escarlate < ML scarlatum < Pers säqirlāt, dress dyed crimson < ?]
scarlet fever an acute contagious disease, esp. of children, caused by hemolytic streptococci and characterized by sore throat, fever, and a scarlet rash
scarlet hat a cardinal's hat: see RED HAT
scarlet letter a scarlet letter A formerly worn by a person convicted of adultery [< the novel The Scarlet Letter (1850) by Nathaniel Hawthorne]
scarlet runner (bean) a climbing bean plant (Phaseolus coccineus) of tropical America, having pods with large, edible, red-and-black seeds and usually having scarlet flowers: often grown in cold climates as an ornamental
scarlet tanager a songbird (Piranga olivacea) native to the U.S., the male of which has a scarlet body and black wings and tail
scarp (skärp) •n. 1 a steep slope; specif., an escarpment or cliff extending along the edge of a plateau, mesa, etc. 2 the inner slope of a ditch below a rampart •vt. 1 to make or cut into a steep slope 2 to provide with a scarp [It scarpa, a scarp, slope < Goth *skrapa, akin to OE scræf, cave, hollow < IE *(s)kerb(h)-, var. of base *(s)ker-, to cut > SHEAR]
scarper (skär´pэr) •vi. [Brit. Slang] to run away or depart; decamp [ult. < It scappare, to run away, escape < LL *excappare, ESCAPE]
Scarron (skå řouñ´), Paul 1610-60; Fr. poet & dramatist
scarves (skärvz) •n. alt. pl. of SCARF¹
scary (sker´i:) scar´i·er, scar´i·est •adj. [Colloq.] 1 causing alarm; frightening 2 easily frightened scar´i·ness •n.
scat¹ (skæt) scat´ted, scat´ting •vi. [Colloq.] to go away: usually in the imperative [? short for SCATTER]
scat² (skæt) •adj. Jazz designating or of singing in which meaningless syllables are improvised, often in imitation of the sounds of a musical instrument •n. such singing •vi. scat´ted, scat´ting to engage in scat singing [< ?]
scat³ (skæt) •n. excrement left by an animal, esp. a wild animal [< Gr skōr: see SCATO-]
scatback (-bæk') •n. [Slang] Football a halfback who is fast and agile [SCAT¹ + BACK¹]
scathe (skeið) scathed, scath´ing •vi. 1 [Now Chiefly Dial.] a) to injure b) to wither; sear 2 to denounce fiercely •n. [Now Chiefly Dial.] injury or harm [ME scathen < ON skatha < skathi, harm, akin to Ger schaden, to harm < IE base *skēth-, to injure > Gr (a)skēthēs, (un)harmed]
scathing (skei´ðiŋ) •adj. searing; withering; harsh or caustic {scathing remarks} scath´ing·ly •adv. [prp. of prec.]
scato- (skæt´ou, -э) combining form feces or excrement [< Gr skōr (gen. skatos), excrement < IE base *ser-, to defecate > ON skarn, OE scearn, dung]
scatology (skэ täl´э ji:) •n. 1 the study of feces or of fossil excrement 2 obscenity or obsession with the obscene, esp. with excrement or excretion, in literature scat·o·log·i·cal (skæt'э läj´i kэl) •adj. [prec. + -LOGY]
scatter (skæt´эr) •vt. 1 a) to throw here and there or strew loosely; sprinkle b) to sprinkle over (with) something 2 to separate and drive in many directions; rout; disperse 3 [Archaic] to waste; dissipate 4 Physics to diffuse or deflect in an irregular, random manner •vi. to separate and go off in several directions {the crowd scattered} •n. 1 the act or process of scattering 2 that which is scattered about scat´ter·er •n. SYN.—scatter implies a strewing around loosely [to scatter seeds] or a forcible driving apart in different directions [the breeze scattered the papers]; disperse implies a scattering which completely breaks up an assemblage and spreads the individuals far and wide [a people dispersed throughout the world]; dissipate implies complete dissolution, as by crumbling, wasting, etc. [to dissipate a fortune]; dispel suggests a scattering that drives away something that obscures, confuses, troubles, etc. [to dispel fears] —ANT. assemble, gather, collect [ME skateren, ult. < IE *sked-, to split, disperse < base *sek-, to cut > L secare]
scatter rug a small rug for covering only a limited area
scatteration (skæt'эr ei´shэn) •n. a scattering or being scattered; esp., the act or result of dispersing
scatterbrain (skæt´эr brein') •n. a person who is incapable of concentrated or serious thinking; giddy, frivolous, flighty person scat´ter·brained' •adj.
scattergood (-gud') •n. a wasteful person; spendthrift
scattering (skæt´эr iŋ) •adj. 1 separating and going in various directions 2 distributed over a wide area, esp. at irregular intervals 3 distributed in small numbers among several or many candidates: said of votes •n. 1 the act or process of one that scatters 2 a small amount of something spread out or interspersed in a medium 3 Physics the process by which the direction of motion of radiation or particles is changed randomly when passing through a medium, caused by collisions of the constituents of the radiation with particles in the medium scat´ter·ing·ly •adv.
scattershot (-shät') •adj. 1 designating a shotgun shell that disperses the shot in a broad pattern 2 covering many points in a random way {scattershot criticism}
scatter-site (-sait') •adj. designating or of inexpensive, publicly owned or financed housing units scattered throughout middle-class residential areas
scatty (skæt´i:) -ti·er, -ti·est •adj. [Brit. Slang] silly, foolish, or crazy [contr. < ? SCATTERBRAINED]
scaup (sköp) pl. scaups or scaup any of several wild ducks of the same genus (Aythya) as the redhead, canvasback, etc.: also scaup duck •n. [obs. var. of scalp, mussel bed: prob. so named from eating habits]
scavenge (skæv´inj) -enged, -eng·ing •vt. 1 to clean up (streets, alleys, etc.); remove rubbish, dirt, or garbage from 2 to salvage (usable goods) by rummaging through refuse or discards 3 to remove burned gases from (the cylinder of an internal-combustion engine) 4 Metallurgy to clean (molten metal) by using a substance that will combine chemically with the impurities present •vi. 1 to act as a scavenger 2 to look for food [back-form. < fol.]
scavenger (-in jэr) •n. 1 a person who gathers things that have been discarded by others, as a junkman 2 any animal that eats refuse and decaying organic matter 3 anything that removes impurities, refuse, etc. 4 [Chiefly Brit.] a person employed to clean the streets, collect refuse, etc. [ME scavager < Anglo-Fr scawage, inspection < NormFr escauwer, to inspect < Fl scawen or Frank scouwon, to peer at, observe, akin to OE sceawian, SHOW]
scavenger hunt a game, as at a party, in which persons are sent out to bring back a number of prescribed, miscellaneous items without buying them
ScB or Sc.B. Bachelor of Science [L Scientiae Baccalaureus]
ScD or Sc.D. Doctor of Science [L Scientiae Doctor]
scenario (sэ ner´i: ou'; also, -när´-) pl. -i·os' •n. 1 an outline or synopsis of a play, opera, or the like, indicating scenes, characters, etc. Æ 2 the script of a film 3 an outline for any proposed or planned series of events, real or imagined Æ sce·nar´ist •n. [It < L scaenarium < scaena, stage, SCENE]
scend (send) •n. the upward heaving of a ship •vi. to be heaved upward, as by a wave: said of a ship [< SEND², assumed to be aphetic for ASCEND]
scene (si:n) •n. 1 in ancient Greece or Rome, a theater stage 2 the place in which any event, real or imagined, occurs {the scene of a battle} 3 the setting or locale of the action of a play, opera, story, etc. {the scene of Hamlet is Denmark} 4 a division of a play, usually part of an act, in which conventionally the action is continuous and in a single place 5 a) a part of a play, film, story, etc. that constitutes a unit of development or action, as a passage between certain characters b) Film a section of a film, usually made up of a number of shots, which is unified by time, setting, characters, etc. 6 SCENERY (sense 1) 7 a view of people or places; picture or spectacle 8 a display of strong or excited feeling before others {to make a painful scene in court} 9 an episode, situation, or event, real or imaginary, esp. as described or represented 10 [Colloq.] the locale or environment for a specified activity {the poetry scene} behind the scenes 1 backstage 2 in private or in secrecy; not for public knowledge Æ make the scene [Slang] 1 to be present 2 to participate, esp. in an effective or noticeable way [MFr scène < L scena, scaena < Gr skēnē, covered place, tent, stage < IE base *sai-, to gleam softly > SHINE]
scenery (si:n´эr i:) pl. -er·ies •n. 1 painted screens, backdrops, hangings, etc., used on the stage to represent places and surroundings in a play, opera, etc. 2 the general appearance of a place; features of a landscape [< obs. scenary, scenic < LL scenarius < L scena, SCENE]
scenic (si:n´ik; occas. sen´-) •adj. 1 a) of the stage; dramatic; theatrical b) relating to stage effects or stage scenery 2 a) having to do with natural scenery b) having beautiful scenery; affording beautiful views 3 representing an action, event, etc. Also sce´ni·cal sce´ni·cal·ly •adv. [MFr scénique < L scenicus < Gr skēnikos < skēnē, SCENE]
scenic railway a small railway passing through areas with a scenic view, often artificially contrived, as at an amusement park
scenography (si: näg´rэ fi:) •n. the art of drawing or painting in perspective; esp., the painting of stage scenes in ancient Greece sce·no·graph·ic (si:'nэ græf´ik, sen'э-) or sce'no·graph´i·cal •adj. [L scaenographia < Gr skēnographia < skēnē, SCENE + graphein: see GRAPHIC]
scent (sent) •vt. 1 to smell; perceive by the olfactory sense 2 to get a hint or inkling of; suspect {to scent trouble} 3 to fill with an odor; give fragrance to; perfume •vi. to hunt by the sense of smell •n. 1 a smell; odor 2 the sense of smell 3 a manufactured fluid preparation used to give fragrance; perfume 4 an odor left by an animal, by which it is tracked in hunting 5 a track followed in hunting 6 any clue by which something is followed or detected 7 an intuitive capacity for discovering or detecting {a scent for news} scent´ed •adj. scent´less •adj. SYN.—scent, in this comparison, implies a relatively faint but pervasive smell, esp. one characteristic of a particular thing [the scent of apple blossoms]; perfume suggests a relatively strong, but usually pleasant, smell, either natural or manufactured [the rich perfume of gardenias]; fragrance always implies an agreeable, sweet smell, esp. of growing things [the fragrance of a freshly mowed field]; bouquet is specifically applied to the fragrance of a wine or brandy; redolence implies a rich, pleasant combination of smells [the redolence of a grocery] see also SMELL —ANT. stench, stink [ME senten < OFr sentir < L sentire, to feel: see SEND¹]
scepter (sep´tэr) •n. 1 a rod or staff, highly ornamented, held by rulers on ceremonial occasions as a symbol of sovereignty 2 royal or imperial authority; sovereignty •vt. to furnish with a scepter; invest with royal or imperial authority [ME sceptre < OFr < L sceptrum < Gr skēptron, staff to lean on < base of skēptesthai, to prop oneself, lean on something < IE base *(s)kep- > SHAFT]
sceptic (skep´tik) •n., adj. chiefly Brit. sp. of SKEPTIC scep´ti·cal •adj. scep´ti·cism •n.
sceptre (sep´tэr) -tred, -tring •n., vt. chiefly Brit. sp. of SCEPTER
sch 1 school 2 schooner
Schadenfreude (shäd´ªn fřoi'dэ) •n. glee at another's misfortune [Ger < schaden, to harm + freude, joy]
Schaffhausen (shäf´hau'zэn) canton of Switzerland, in the northernmost part: 115 sq. mi. (298 sq. km); pop. 71,000
schatchen (shät´khэn) •n. a Jewish marriage broker or matchmaker [Yidd shatkhn < Heb shadechan < shidekh, to arrange a marriage]
Schaumburg (shöm´bэrg, shäm´-) village in NE Ill., near Chicago: pop. 69,000 [after Schaumburg-Lippe, former state in Germany whence many settlers emigrated]
schedule (ske´jul, -ju эl, -jэl; ske´ju:l, -ju: эl; Brit & often Cdn shed´yu:l, shej´u:l) •n. 1 orig., a paper with writing on it 2 a list, catalog, or inventory of details, often as an explanatory supplement to a will, bill of sale, deed, tax form, etc. Æ 3 a list of times of recurring events, projected operations, arriving and departing trains, etc.; timetable Æ 4 a timed plan for a procedure or project •vt. -uled, -ul·ing 1 to place or include in a schedule 2 to make a schedule of Æ 3 to plan for a certain time [altered (infl. by LL) < ME sedule < OFr cedule < LL schedula, dim. of L scheda, a strip of papyrus < Gr schidē, splinter of wood, split piece < schizein, to split: see SCHIZO-]
Scheduled Castes the groups of people in India formerly belonging to the class of untouchables
scheelite (shei´lait', shi:´-) •n. a mineral, calcium tungstate, CaWO4, important as an ore of tungsten [Ger scheelit, after K. W. Scheele (1742-86), Swed chemist]
schefflera (shef lir´э, -ler´-) an ornamental plant (Brassaia actinophylla) of the ginseng family, with glossy, palmately arranged leaflets growing in an umbrellalike formation [ModL, after J. C. Scheffler, 19th-c. Ger botanist]
Scheherazade (shэ her'э zä´dэ, -zäd´) in The Arabian Nights, the Sultan's bride, who saves her life by maintaining the Sultan's interest in the suspenseful tales she tells [Ger < Pers Shīrazād]
Scheldt (skelt) river flowing from N France through Belgium and the Netherlands into the North Sea: c. 270 mi. (434 km): Du. name Schel·de (skhel´dэ)
Schelling (shel´iŋ), Fried·rich Wil·helm Jo·seph von (fři:´dřiH vil´helm you´zef fôn) 1775-1854; Ger. philosopher
schema (ski:´mэ) pl. -ma·ta (-mэ tэ) •n. an outline, diagram, plan, or preliminary draft [Gr schēma: see SCHEME]
schematic (ski: mæt´ik, skэ-) •adj. of, or having the nature of, a scheme, schema, plan, diagram, etc. •n. a schematic diagram, as of electrical wiring in a circuit sche·mat´i·cal·ly •adv. [ModL schematicus]
schematism (ski:´mэ tiz'эm) •n. a set form for classification or exposition; arrangement of parts according to a scheme; design [ModL schematismus < Gr schēmatismos < schēmatizein, to form: see SCHEME]
schematize (-taiz') -tized', -tiz'ing •vi., vt. to form, form into, or arrange according to, a scheme or schemes sche'ma·ti·za´tion •n. [Gr schēmatizein]
scheme (ski:m) •n. 1 a) a carefully arranged and systematic program of action for attaining some object or end b) a secret or underhanded plan; plot c) a visionary plan or project 2 an orderly combination of things on a definite plan; system {a color scheme} 3 an outline or diagram showing different parts or elements of an object or system 4 an analysis or summary in outline or tabular form 5 an astrological diagram •vt. schemed, schem´ing 1 to make a scheme for; plan as a scheme; devise 2 to plan in a deceitful way; plot •vi. 1 to make schemes; form plans 2 to plot; intrigue SYN. PLAN schem´er •n. [L schema < Gr schēma (gen. schēmatos), a form, appearance, plan, akin to schein, echein, to hold, have < IE base *seGh-, to hold, hold fast, conquer > SCHOOL¹, Sans sáhas, power, victory, Goth sigis, Ger sieg, victory]
scheming (ski:m´iŋ) •adj. given to forming schemes or plots; crafty, tricky, deceitful, etc. schem´ing·ly •adv.
Schenectady (skэ nek´tэ di:') city in E N.Y., on the Mohawk River: pop. 66,000 (met. area with Albany & Troy, 874,000) [Du Schanhectade < Mohawk skahnéhtati, Albany, lit., on the other side of the pines: the pines were between the communities; the Dutch transferred the name]
scherzando (sker tsän´dou, -tsæn´-) •adj. Music playful; sportive •adv. Musical Direction playfully [It < prp. of scherzare, to play < scherzo: see SCHERZO]
scherzo (sker´tsou) pl. -zos or -zi (-tsi:) •n. Music 1 a lively, playful composition, usually in ¾ time 2 such a piece serving as the third movement of a sonata, symphony, or quartet [It, a jest, sport < Gmc, as in MHG schërz, pleasure, play, ult. < IE base *(s)ker-, to leap, jump > SCARE, L cardo, a hinge, turning point]
Schiaparelli (skyä'pä řel´li:), Gio·van·ni Vir·gi·nio (jô vän´ni: viř ji:´nyô) 1835-1910; It. astronomer
Schick test (shik) a test to determine immunity to diphtheria, made by injecting dilute diphtheria toxin into the skin: if an area of inflammation results, the patient is not immune [after Béla Schick (1877-1967), U.S. pediatrician, born in Hungary, who devised it]
Schiedam (skhi: däm´) city in SW Netherlands: pop. 69,000
Schiele (shi:´lэ), E·gon (e´goun) 1890-1918; Austrian painter
Schiller (shil´эr), (Jo·hann Chris·toph) Fried·rich von (fři:´dřiH fôn) 1759-1805; Ger. dramatist & poet schiller (shil´эr) •n. a peculiar bronzelike luster in certain minerals, often iridescent, caused by the diffraction of light in embedded crystals [Ger, color play < schillern, to change color, akin to schielen, to blink, squint < OHG scelah, oblique < IE base *(s)kel-, crooked > SCOLEX]
schilling (shil´iŋ) •n. the basic monetary unit of Austria: see MONEY, table [Ger: see SHILLING]
schipperke (skip´эr ki:') •n. any of a breed of small dog with a dense, black coat forming a ruff about the neck, a foxlike head, erect ears, and a docked tail [Fl, little skipper, dim. of schipper (see SKIPPER²): from earlier use of breed as watchdogs on boats]
schism (siz´эm; occas. skiz´эm) •n. 1 a split or division in an organized group or society, esp. a church, as the result of difference of opinion, of doctrine, etc. 2 the act of causing or trying to cause a split or division in a church 3 any of the sects, parties, etc. formed by such a split [ME scisme < OFr cisme < LL(Ec) schisma < Gr < schizein, to cleave, cut: see SCHIZO-]
schismatic (siz mæt´ik; occas. skiz-) •adj. 1 of, characteristic of, or having the nature of, schism 2 tending to, causing, or guilty of schism Also schis·mat´i·cal •n. a person who causes or participates in schism schis·mat´i·cal·ly •adv. [ME scismatike < MFr scismatique < LL(Ec) schismaticus < Gr schismatikos]
schist (shist) •n. any of a group of metamorphic rocks containing parallel layers of flaky minerals, as mica or talc, and splitting easily into thin, parallel leaves schist´ose (-ous) or schist´ous (-эs) •adj. [Fr schiste < L schistos (lapis), split (stone) < Gr schistos, easily cleft < schizein, to cleave: see SCHIZO-]
schistosome (shis´tэ soum') •n. any of a genus (Schistosoma) of flukes that live as parasites in the blood vessels of birds and mammals, including humans [< ModL < Gr schistos, cleft (see SCHIST) + sōma, body: see SOMATIC]
schistosomiasis (shis'tэ sou mai´э sis) •n. a chronic, usually tropical, disease, caused by schistosomes and characterized in humans by disorders of the liver, urinary bladder, lungs, or central nervous system [ModL: see SCHISTOSOME & -IASIS]
schizo (skit´sou, skiz´ou) pl. schiz´os •adj., n. [Colloq.] short for SCHIZOPHRENIC
schizo- (skiz´ou, -э; now also skit´sou, -sэ) combining form 1 split, cleavage, division {schizocarp} 2 schizophrenia {schizoid} Also, before a vowel, schiz- [ModL < Gr schizein, to cleave, cut < IE *skeid- < base *skei-, to cut, separate > SHIN¹, L scindere, to cut]
schizocarp (skiz´э kärp', skit´sэ-) •n. Bot. a dry fruit, as of the maple, that splits at maturity into two or more one-seeded carpels which remain closed schiz'o·car´pous or schiz'o·car´pic •adj. [prec. + -CARP]
schizogenesis (skiz'э jen´э sis, skit'sэ-) •n. Biol. reproduction by fission [ModL: see SCHIZO- & -GENESIS]
schizogony (ski zäg´э ni:, skit säg´-) •n. asexual reproduction by multiple fission, found in many sporozoans, as the malarial parasite [SCHIZO- + -GONY]
schizoid (skit´soid, skiz´oid) •adj. 1 Psychiatry of, like, or having schizophrenia 2 designating a personality type characterized by quietness, seclusiveness, introversion, etc. •n. a schizoid person [SCHIZ(O)- + -OID]
schizont (skiz´änt', skit´sänt') •n. a large cell in many sporozoans that multiplies by schizogony [< SCHIZO- + Gr ōn, gen. ontos: see ONTO-]
schizophrenia (skit'se fri:´ni: э, skiz'э-; also, -frei´-; occas., -fren´i: э) •n. a major mental disorder of unknown cause typically characterized by a separation between the thought processes and the emotions, a distortion of reality accompanied by delusions and hallucinations, a fragmentation of the personality, motor disturbances, bizarre behavior, etc., often with no loss of basic intellectual functions: this term has largely replaced dementia praecox, since it does not always result in deterioration (dementia) or always develop in adolescence or before maturity (praecox) [ModL < SCHIZO- + Gr phrēn, the mind + -IA]
schizophrenic (-fren´ik, -fri:´nik; occas., -frei´nik) •adj. of or having schizophrenia •n. a person having schizophrenia: also schiz´o·phrene' (-fri:n')
schizophyte (skiz´э fait', skit´sэ-) •n. in some systems of classification, any of a division (Schizophyta) of plants which consist of a single cell, or a chain or colony of cells, and reproduce only by simple fission or by asexual spores, including the bacteria and blue-green algae schiz'o·phyt´ic (-fit´ik) •adj. [SCHIZO- + -PHYTE]
schizopod (-päd') •n. any of various shrimplike malacostracan crustaceans having thoracic appendages with two branches, including the mysids and krill •adj. of the schizopods: also schi·zop·o·dous (ski zäp´э dэs) [< ModL Schizopoda < Gr schizopous, having parted toes: see SCHIZO- & -POD]
schizothymia (skit'sэ θai´mi: э, skiz'э-) •n. an emotional condition characterized by schizoid tendencies: less severe than schizophrenia schiz'o·thy´mic (-mik) •adj., n. [ModL < SCHIZO- + Gr thymos, spirit: see THYMUS]
schizzy or schizy (skit´si:, skiz´i:) •adj. [Slang] SCHIZOPHRENIC
Schlegel (shlei´gэl) 1 Au·gust Wil·helm von (au´gust vil´helm fôn) 1767-1845; Ger. poet, critic & translator 2 (Karl Wilhelm) Fried·rich von (fři:´dřiH fôn) 1772-1829; Ger. critic & philosopher: brother of August
Schleiermacher (shlai´эř mä'khэř), Frie·drich Ernst Da·ni·el (fři:´dřiH eřnst dä´ni: el) 1768-1834; Ger. theologian & philosopher
schlemiel (shlэ mi:l´) •n. [Slang] an ineffectual, bungling person who habitually fails or is easily victimized: also sp. schle·mihl´ [W Yidd shlemil < Heb shelumiel, name of a tribal chief (see Num. 1:6), identified in the Talmud with a prince who met an unfortunate end]
schlep or schlepp (shlep) schlepped, schlep´ping •vt. [Slang] to carry, take, haul, drag, etc. •vi. [Slang] to go or move with effort; drag oneself •n. [Slang] an ineffectual person [< Yidd shlepn, drag < MHG dial. sleppen < LowG slepen < IE base *(s)leub- > SLIP³]
Schlesinger (shlei´ziŋ эr, shles´in jэr) 1 Arthur M(eier) 1888-1965; U.S. historian 2 Arthur M(eier), Jr. 1917- ; U.S. historian: son of Arthur
Schleswig (shles´wig; Ger shleis´viH) region in the S Jutland peninsula, divided between Denmark & Germany: Dan. name SLESVIG
Schleswig-Holstein (-houl´stain; -hôl´shtain) state of N Germany: 6,069 sq. mi. (15,721 sq. km); pop. 2,615,000; cap. Kiel
Schliemann (shli:´män), Hein·rich (hain´řiH) 1822-90; Ger. archaeologist
schlieren (shlir´эn) sing. -re (-э) •n.pl. 1 small streaks or masses in igneous rocks, differing in composition from the main rock but blending gradually into it 2 Optics regions in a translucent medium, as a fluid, that have a different density and consequently a different index of refraction than the medium and that can be photographed as shadows produced by the refraction of light passed through these regions [Ger, lit., streaks; akin to SLUR]
schlock (shläk) •n. [Slang] anything cheap or inferior; trash •adj. [Slang] cheap; inferior: also schlock´y [< ? Ger schlacke, dregs, SLAG]
schlockmeister (-mais´tэr) •n. [Slang] a person who deals in shoddy goods; specif., a writer, movie maker, etc. who produces kitsch [prec. + Ger meister < L magister, MASTER: modeled on Ger bürgermeister, etc.]
schlump (shlûmp) •n. [Slang] 1 a person who is stupid, foolish, inept, boring, etc. 2 one who is sloppily or poorly dressed •vi. [Slang] to go about lazily, sluggishly, or poorly dressed
schmaltz (shmälts, shmölts) •n. [Slang] 1 highly sentimental and banal music, literature, etc. 2 banal or excessive sentimentalism Also sp. schmalz schmaltz´y, schmaltz´i·er, schmaltz´i·est, •adj. [? via Yidd < Ger schmaltz, lit., rendered fat, akin to schmelzen, to melt: see SMELT²]
schmaltz herring herring caught just before spawning, when it has much fat
schmear (shmir) •n. [Slang] 1 some matter or activity with all its related features: usually the whole schmear 2 a bribe Also sp. schmeer [E Yidd shmir, lit., a smearing < shmirn, to smear < MHG smir(we)n]
Schmidt system (shmit) a wide-angle optical system having a concave, spherical mirror whose aberration is neutralized by a correcting lens: often used in special, photographic reflecting telescopes to obtain clear pictures of large areas of the celestial sphere [after B. Schmidt (1879-1935), Ger astronomer]
schmo (shmou) pl. schmoes or schmos [Slang] a foolish or stupid person; dolt: also sp. schmoe •n. [< Yidd, prob. altered < shmok: see SCHMUCK]
schmooze (shmu:z) schmoozed, schmooz´ing •vi. [Slang] to chat or gossip •n. [Slang] an idle talk; chat Also schmoos (shmu:s) [W Yidd shmuzn, var. of Yidd shmuesn < shmues, a chat, lit., rumors, gossip, pl. of shmue < Heb shemua, rumor, news < shama, to hear]
schmuck (shmûk) •n. [Slang] a contemptible or foolish person; jerk [E Yidd shmok, lit., penis < Old Pol smok, grass snake, dragon]
Schnabel (shnä´bэl), Ar·tur (äř´tuř) 1882-1951; U.S. pianist & composer, born in Austria
schnapps (shnäps, shnæps) pl. schnapps •n. 1 HOLLANDS 2 any strong alcoholic liquor Also sp. schnaps [Ger, a dram, nip < Du snaps, lit., a gulp, mouthful < snappen, to SNAP]
schnauzer (shnau´zэr) •n. any of three breeds of sturdily built dog with a wiry, pepper-and-salt or black coat, whiskers, and bushy eyebrows, orig. bred in Germany: the standard schnauzer is 17 to 23 in. (43.2-58 cm) high at the shoulder; the miniature schnauzer, 12 to 14 in. (30.5-35.5 cm); the giant schnauzer, over 23½ in. (59.7 cm) [Ger < schnauzen, to snarl, growl < schnauze, SNOUT]
schnitzel (shnit´sэl) •n. a cutlet, esp. of veal [Ger, lit., a shaving, dim. of schnitz, a piece cut off < MHG sniz, akin to OE snithan, to cut, chop < IE base *sneit- > Czech snet, a branch]
Schnitzler (shnits´lэř), Ar·thur (äř´tuř) 1862-1931; Austrian playwright & novelist
schnook (shnuk) •n. a person easily imposed upon or cheated; pitifully meek person [< Yidd ? altered < SCHMUCK]
schnorrer (shnör´эr) •n. [Slang] a person who lives by begging or by sponging on others [< Yidd < Ger schnurrer < schnurren, to whir, purr (of echoic orig.): from the sound made by musical instruments carried by beggars]
schnozzle (shnäz´эl) •n. [Slang] the nose: also schnoz [via Yidd < Ger schnauze, akin to SNOUT]
scholar (skäl´эr) •n. 1 a) a learned person b) a specialist in a particular branch of learning, esp. in the humanities {a Mark Twain scholar} 2 a student given scholarship aid 3 any student or pupil SYN. PUPIL¹ [ME scoler < OE scolere or OFr escoler, both < ML < LL scholaris, relating to a school < L schola, SCHOOL¹]
scholarly (skäl´эr li:) •adj. 1 of or characteristic of a SCHOLAR (sense 1); learned 2 having or showing much knowledge, accuracy, and critical ability 3 devoted to learning; studious
scholarship (skäl´эr ship') •n. 1 the quality of knowledge and learning shown by a student; standard of academic work 2 a) the systematized knowledge of a learned person, exhibiting accuracy, critical ability, and thoroughness; erudition b) the knowledge attained by scholars, collectively 3 a specific gift of money or other aid, as by a foundation, to help a student pay for instruction
scholastic (skэ læs´tik) •adj. 1 of schools, colleges, universities, students, teachers, and studies; educational; academic 2 [also S-] of or characteristic of scholasticism 3 pedantic, dogmatic, formal, etc. 4 of secondary schools {scholastic football games} Also scho·las´ti·cal •n. 1 a student or scholar, esp. in a scholasticate 2 [also S-] SCHOOLMAN (sense 1) 3 a person who is devoted to logical subtleties and quibblings; pedant 4 [also S-] a person who favors Scholasticism scho·las´ti·cal·ly •adv. [L scholasticus < Gr scholastikos < scholazein, to devote one's leisure to study, be at leisure < scholē: see SCHOOL¹]
scholasticate (-tэ keit', -kit) •n. R.C.Ch. a school for seminarians, esp. Jesuit seminarians
scholasticism (skэ læs´tэ siz'эm) •n. 1 [often S-] the system of logic, philosophy, and theology of medieval university scholars, or schoolmen, from the 10th to the 15th century, based upon Aristotelian logic, the writings of the early Christian fathers, and the authority of tradition and dogma 2 insistence upon traditional doctrines and methods
scholiast (skou´li: æst', -li: эst) •n. one who writes marginal notes and comments; esp., an ancient interpreter and annotator of the classics scho'li·as´tic •adj. [ModL scholiasta < MGr scholiastēs < scholiazein, to comment < Gr scholion, SCHOLIUM]
scholium (skou´li: эm) pl. -li·a (-э) or -li·ums •n. 1 a marginal note or commentary, esp. on the text of a Greek or Latin writer 2 a note added or following, meant to illustrate or develop a point in the text, as in mathematics [ML < Gr scholion < scholē: see SCHOOL¹]
Schönberg (shein´bэrg, shoun´-; Ger shön´beřk'), Arnold 1874-1951; U.S. composer, born in Austria
school (crossing) guard a person, either an adult or an older student, whose duty it is to help children cross streets near schools safely
school age 1 the age at which a child may or must begin to attend school 2 the years during which attendance at school is required or customary school´-age' •adj.
school board a local board of education in charge of a public or private school or school system
school bus a vehicle, owned and operated publicly or privately, used for transporting students to or from a school or on school-related trips
school day 1 any day on which school is in session 2 the portion of any such day during which school is in session
school district a geographical division, with specified limits, whose school or schools are administered by a local board of education
school system all the schools and support services under the jurisdiction of a board of education
school tie OLD SCHOOL TIE
school year the part of a year when school is in session, usually from September to June
school¹ (sku:l) •n. 1 a place or institution for teaching and learning; establishment for education; specif., a) an institution for teaching children b) a place for training and instruction in some special field, skill, etc. {a dancing school} Æ c) a college or university d) [S-] in the Middle Ages, a seminary of logic, metaphysics, and theology 2 the building or buildings, classrooms, laboratories, etc. of any such establishment 3 all the students, or pupils, and teachers at any such establishment 4 the period of instruction at any such establishment; regular session of teaching {the date when school begins} 5 a) attendance at a school {to miss school for a week} b) the process of formal training and instruction at a school; formal education; schooling 6 any situation, set of circumstances, or experience through which one gains knowledge, training, or discipline {the school of hard knocks} 7 a particular division of an institution of learning, esp. of a university {the school of law} 8 a) a group of people held together by the same teachings, beliefs, opinions, methods, etc.; followers or disciples of a particular teacher, leader, or creed {the Impressionist school} b) a group of artists associated with a specified place {the Barbizon School} 9 a way of life; style of customs, manners, etc. {a gentleman of the old school} •vt. 1 to train, as at school; teach; instruct; educate 2 to discipline or control {schooled herself in composure} 3 [Archaic] to reprimand •adj. 1 of a school or schools 2 [Obs.] of the Schoolmen (see SCHOOLMAN, sense 1) SYN. TEACH go to school Golf to learn, from observation of another's putt, the peculiarities of a particular green [ME scole < OE scol < L schola, school < Gr scholē, leisure, that in which leisure is employed, discussion, philosophy, school < IE base *seGh-, to hold fast, overcome > SCHEME]
school² (sku:l) •n. a large number of fish or water animals of the same kind swimming or feeding together •vi. to move together in a school, as fish, whales, etc. [Du, a crowd, school of fish: see SHOAL¹]
schoolbook (sku:l´buk') •n. a book used for study in schools; textbook
schoolboy (sku:l´boi') •n. a boy attending school
schoolchild (sku:l´chaild') pl. -chil'dren (-chil'drэn) •n. a child attending school
Schoolcraft (sku:l´kræft'), Henry Rowe (rou) 1793-1864; U.S. ethnologist
schoolfellow (sku:l´fel'ou) •n. SCHOOLMATE
schoolgirl (sku:l´gørl') •n. a girl attending school
schoolhouse (sku:l´haus') •n. a building used as a school
schooling (sku:l´iŋ) •n. 1 training or education; esp., formal instruction at school 2 cost of instruction and living at school 3 [Archaic] disciplinary correction
schoolman (sku:l´mэn; for 2, often, -mæn') pl. -men (-mэn; for 2, often, -men') •n. 1 [often S-] any of the medieval university teachers of philosophy, logic, and theology; scholastic 2 a teacher, educator, or scholar
schoolmarm (sku:l´märm', -mäm') •n. 1 [Old-fashioned] a woman schoolteacher 2 [Colloq.] any person whose attitudes and behavior resemble those often attributed to schoolmarms, as pedantry, priggishness, or prudishness school´marm'ish •adj.
schoolmaster (sku:l´mæs'tэr, -mäs'-) •n. 1 [Old-fashioned] a man who teaches in a school 2 [Chiefly Brit.] a headmaster or master in a school 3 a person or thing that disciplines or instructs 4 a reddish-brown and orange snapper (Lutjanus apodus) with large scales, found in warm Atlantic waters
schoolmate (-meit') •n. a companion or acquaintance at school
schoolmistress (-mis'tris) •n. [Old-fashioned] a woman schoolteacher
schoolroom (-ru:m') •n. a room in which pupils are taught, as in a school
schoolteacher (-ti:'chэr) •n. a person whose work is teaching in a school
schoolwork (-wørk') •n. lessons worked on in classes at school or done as homework
schoolyard (-yärd') •n. the ground around or near a school, used as a playground, playing field, etc.
schooner (sku:n´эr) •n. 1 a ship with two or more masts, rigged fore and aft 2 short for PRAIRIE SCHOONER 3 a large beer glass, usually holding a pint [< ? Scot dial. scun, to skip a flat stone across water]
schooner-rigged (-rigd') •adj. rigged like a schooner, fore and aft
Schopenhauer (shou´pэn hau'эr), Arthur 1788-1860; Ger. pessimist philosopher Scho´pen·hau'er·ism' •n.
schorl (shörl) •n. a black variety of tourmaline [Ger schörl]
schottische (shät´ish) •n. 1 a form of round dance in 2/4 time, similar to the polka, but with a slower tempo 2 music for this •vi. -tisched, -tisch·ing to dance a schottische [< Ger (der) schottische (tanz), (the) Scottish (dance) < Schotte < OHG Scotto < LL Scottus, SCOT]
Schrödinger (shřö´diŋ эr), Er·win (eř´vi:n) 1887-1961; Austrian physicist
schtick or schtik (shtik) •n. SHTICK
Schubert (shu:´bэrt; Ger shu:´beřt), Franz (Peter) (fřänts) 1797-1828; Austrian composer
schul (shu:l) •n. SHUL
Schuman (shu:´mэn), William (Howard) 1910-92; U.S. composer
Schumann (shu:´män), Robert (Alexander) 1810-56; Ger. composer
Schumpeter (shum´pei tэr), Joseph Alois (э lois´) 1883-1950; U.S. economist, born in Austria
Schurz (shurts), Carl 1829-1906; U.S. statesman, journalist, & Union general, born in Germany
schuss (shus) •n. a straight run down a hill in skiing •vi. to ski straight down a slope at full speed schuss´er •n. [Ger, lit., shot, rush: see SHOT¹]
schussboomer (shus´bu:m'эr) •n. a skier, esp. one who schusses expertly [prec. + boom, echoic of the sudden stop made by an expert skier + -ER]
Schütz (shüts), Hein·rich (hain´řiH) 1585-1672; Ger. composer
Schuyler (skai´lэr), Philip John 1733-1804; Am. Revolutionary general & statesman
Schuylerville (skai´lэr vil') resort village in E N.Y., on the Hudson: pop. 1,360: cf. SARATOGA [after prec.]
Schuylkill (sku:l´kil) river in SE Pa., flowing southeast into the Delaware River at Philadelphia: 130 mi. (209 km) [< Du Schuilkil, lit., hidden channel < schuilen, to hide, skulk + kil, stream, KILL²]
schwa (shwä, shvä) •n. 1 the neutral mid-central vowel sound of most unstressed syllables in English: the sound represented by a in ago, e in agent, i in sanity, etc. 2 the symbol (ð) for this sound, as in the International Phonetic Alphabet and this dictionary [Ger < Heb sheva, a diacritic marking silence instead of a vowel sound]
Schwaben (shvä´bэn) Ger. name of SWABIA
Schwarzwald (shväřts´vält') Ger. name of BLACK FOREST
Schweitzer (shvait´sэř; E shwait´sэr), Al·bert (äl´beřt) 1875-1965; Alsatian medical missionary, theologian, & musician in Africa
Schweiz (shvaits) Ger. name of SWITZERLAND
Schwerin (shver´in; Ger shvei ri:n´) city in N Germany: capital of the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: pop. 105,000
Schwyz (shvi:ts) canton of EC Switzerland, on Lake Lucerne: 351 sq. mi. (909 sq. km); pop. 97,000
sci 1 science 2 scientific
sciaenid (sai i:´nid) •n. DRUM¹ (n. 4) sci·ae´noid (-noid) •adj., n. [< ModL Sciaena (< L, a kind of fish < Gr skiaina, a dark-colored fish < skia: see SCIAMACHY) + -ID]
sciamachy (sai æm´э ki:) pl. -chies •n. a fighting with shadows or imaginary enemies [Gr skiamachia < skia, shadow (see SHINE) + machein, to fight (see -MACHY)]
sciatic (sai æt´ik) •adj. of, in the region of, or affecting the hip or its nerves [MFr sciatique < ML sciaticus, altered < L ischiadicus < Gr ischiadikos < ischion, the ISCHIUM]
sciatica (sai æt´i kэ) •n. any painful condition in the region of the hip and thigh; esp., neuritis of the long nerve (sciatic nerve) passing down the back of the thigh [ME < ML < sciaticus]
science (sai´эns) •n. 1 orig., the state or fact of knowledge; knowledge 2 systematized knowledge derived from observation, study, and experimentation carried on in order to determine the nature or principles of what is being studied 3 a branch of knowledge or study, esp. one concerned with establishing and systematizing facts, principles, and methods, as by experiments and hypotheses {the science of mathematics} 4 a) the systematized knowledge of nature and the physical world b) any branch of this: see NATURAL SCIENCE 5 skill based upon systematized training {the science of cooking} Æ 6 [S-] short for CHRISTIAN SCIENCE [OFr < L scientia < sciens, prp. of scire, to know, orig., to discern, distinguish < IE base *skei-, to cut, separate > SHEATH, SHIN¹, SHIP, SKI, L scindere, to cut]
science fiction fiction of a highly imaginative or fantastic kind, typically involving some actual or projected scientific phenomenon
sciential (sai en´shэl) •adj. 1 of or producing science, or knowledge 2 having knowledge
scientific (sai'эn tif´ik) •adj. 1 of or dealing with science {scientific study} 2 used in or for natural science {scientific apparatus} 3 a) based on, using, or in accordance with, the principles and methods of science; systematic and exact {scientific classification} b) designating the method of research in which a hypothesis, formulated after systematic, objective collection of data, is tested empirically 4 a) done according to methods gained by systematic training {scientific boxing} b) having or showing such training sci'en·tif´i·cal·ly •adv. [ML scientificus, learned, lit., making knowledge (see SCIENCE & -FIC), orig. erroneous transl. of Gr epistēmonikos, pertaining to knowledge]
scientific notation a mathematical expression used to represent any decimal number as a number between one and ten raised to a specific power of ten (Ex.: 4.1 X 100 for 4.1, 4.1 X 10¹ for 41, 4.10 X 10² for 410, 4.1 x 10-¹ for 0.41, 4.1 X 10-² for 0.041): often used for approximate computations with very large or small numbers
scientism (sai´эn tiz'эm) •n. 1 the techniques, beliefs, or attitudes characteristic of scientists 2 the principle that scientific methods can and should be applied in all fields of investigation: often a disparaging usage sci'en·tis´tic •adj.
scientist (sai´эn tist) •n. 1 a specialist in science; esp., a person whose profession is investigating in one of the natural sciences, as biology, chemistry, physics, etc. Æ 2 [S-] short for CHRISTIAN SCIENTIST
sci-fi (sai´fai´) •adj., n. [Colloq.] short for SCIENCE FICTION
scilicet (sil´i set') •adv. namely; to wit; that is to say [ME < L, contr. of scire licet, it is permitted to know: see SCIENCE & LICENSE]
scilla (sil´э) •n. any of a genus (Scilla) of low, bulbous, perennial plants of the lily family, grown for their blue, pink, or white, bell-shaped flowers [ModL < L, SQUILL]
Scilly Isles (or Islands) (sil´i:) group of about 140 islets off Cornwall, England: c. 6 sq. mi. (16 sq. km); pop. 2,400: also called Isles of Scilly
scimitar (sim´э tэr; also, -tär') •n. a short, curved sword with an edge on the convex side, used chiefly by Turks and Arabs [It scimitarra < Pers shimshir]
scincoid (siŋ´koid') •adj. of or like the skinks •n. a scincoid lizard [ModL scincoides < L scincus: see SKINK & -OID]
scintigram (sin´tэ græm') •n. a record made by scintigraphy [SCINTI(LLATION) + -GRAM]
scintigraphy (sin tig´rэ fi:) •n. a technique for recording with the aid of a scintiscanner the distribution of a radioactive tracer substance in body tissue [SCINTI(LLATION) + -GRAPHY]
scintilla (sin til´э) •n. 1 a spark 2 a particle; the least trace: used only figuratively [L]
scintillate (sint´ªl eit') -lat'ed, -lat'ing •vi. 1 to give off sparks; flash; sparkle 2 to sparkle intellectually; be brilliant and witty 3 to twinkle, as a star •vt. to give off (sparks, flashes, etc.) scin´til·lant •adj. [< L scintillatus, pp. of scintillare, to sparkle < scintilla, a spark]
scintillation (sint'ªl ei´shэn) •n. 1 the act of scintillating; sparkling 2 a spark; flash 3 a brilliant display of wit 4 Astron. the twinkling of the stars caused by density changes in the atmosphere 5 Nuclear Physics the flash of light made by ionizing radiation upon striking a crystal detector or a phosphor [L scintillatio]
scintillation counter an instrument for detecting and measuring the scintillations induced by ionizing radiation in a crystal or phosphor
scintillator (sint´ªl eit'эr) •n. 1 a person or thing that scintillates 2 Physics a crystal or phosphor capable of emitting scintillations
scintillometer (sint'ªl äm´эt эr) •n. SCINTILLATION COUNTER [< L scintilla, a spark + -METER]
scintiscanner (sin´tэ skæn'эr) •n. a type of scintillation counter used to locate and make a record (scintiscan) of radioactive substances [SCINTI(LLATION) + SCANNER]
sciolism (sai´э liz'эm) •n. superficial knowledge or learning sci´o·list •n. sci'o·lis´tic •adj. [< L sciolus, smatterer, dim. of scius, knowing < scire, to know: see SCIENCE]
scion (sai´эn) •n. 1 a shoot or bud of a plant, esp. one for planting or grafting 2 a descendant; offspring [ME sioun, ciun < OFr cion, earlier chion < Gmc *kijan-, to sprout < IE base *Gei-, Gī- > OHG chīnan, to sprout, OE kith, sprig]
Scipio (sip´i: ou) 1 (Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus) c. 237-c. 183 B.C.; Rom. general: defeated Hannibal (202) in the 2d Punic War: called Major or the Elder 2 (Publius Cornelius Scipio Aemilianus Africanus Numantinus) c. 185-c. 129 B.C.; Rom. general & statesman: destroyed Carthage (146): grandson (through adoption) of Scipio the Elder: called Minor or the Younger
scire facias (sai´ri: fei´shi: æs') Law 1 a writ, founded on a record, requiring the person against whom it is issued to appear and show cause why the record should not be enforced or annulled 2 a proceeding begun by issuing such a writ [ME < L, that you cause to know]
scirrhous (skir´эs, sir´-) •adj. of, or having the nature of, a scirrhus; hard and fibrous [ModL scirrhosus < fol.]
scirrhus (skir´эs, sir´-) pl. -rhi' (-ai') •n.or -rhus·es a hard, cancerous tumor made up of much fibrous connective tissue scir´rhoid' (-oid') •adj. [ModL < L scirros < Gr skirrhos, hardened swelling, tumor < skiros, hard]
scissile (sis´il) •adj. that can be cut or split smoothly and easily, as into plates or laminae [L scissilis < scissus, pp. of scindere, to cut: see SCISSION]
scission (sizh´эn, sish´-) •n. the act of cutting, dividing, or splitting, or the state of being cut, divided, or split; separation; fission [Fr < LL scissio < L scissus, pp. of scindere, to cut < IE base *skei- > SCIENCE]
scissor (siz´эr) •vt. to cut, cut off, or cut out with scissors •n. SCISSORS, esp. in attributive use [< fol.]
scissors (siz´эrz) •n.pl. 1 [also with sing. v.] a cutting instrument, usually smaller than shears, with two opposing blades, each having a looped handle, which are pivoted together in the middle so that they work against each other as the instrument is closed on the paper, cloth, etc. to be cut: also called pair of scissors 2 [with sing. v.] a) a gymnastic feat or exercise in which the legs are moved in a way suggestive of the opening and closing of scissors b) SCISSORS HOLD [ME sisoures < OFr cisoires < LL cisoria, pl. of cisorium, cutting tool < L caedere, to cut: E sp. altered by assoc. with L scissor, one who cuts < scissus, pp. of scindere, to cut]
scissors hold a wrestling hold in which one contestant clasps the other with the legs
scissors kick a swimming kick, used esp. in the sidestroke, in which one leg is bent at the knee and the other thrust backward, then both brought together with a snap
scissors-and-paste (siz´эrz ænd peist) •adj. [Colloq.] designating or of literary work or a literary work that is assembled from other work or works rather than by original research
scissortail (siz´эr teil') •n. a pale gray-and-pink tyrant flycatcher (Muscivora forficata) found in the S U.S. and Mexico, having a forked tail
scissure (sizh´эr, sish´-) •n. [Now Rare] a cleft or opening, either natural or made by cutting [ME < L scissura < scindere, to cut: see SCIENCE]
sciurid (sai yur´id) •n. any of a family (Sciuridae) of rodents including the squirrels, chipmunks, and marmots sci·u´roid' •adj. [< L sciurus, SQUIRREL + -ID]
sclaff (sklæf, skläf) •vi. Golf to strike or scrape the ground before hitting the ball •vt. Golf 1 to scrape (a club) along (the ground) before hitting the ball 2 to hit (the ball) in this way •n. a sclaffing stroke [< Scot sclaf, to shuffle: of echoic orig.]
SCLC Southern Christian Leadership Conference
sclera (sklir´э) pl. -ras •n.or -rae the outer, tough, white, fibrous membrane covering all of the eyeball except the area covered by the cornea: see EYE, illus. scle´ral •adj. [ModL < Gr sklēros, hard < IE base *(s)kel-, to dry out > SHALLOW]
sclerenchyma (skli reŋ´kэ mэ) •n. Bot. plant tissue of uniformly thick-walled, dead cells, as in a stem, the shell of a nut, etc. scle·ren·chym·a·tous (sklir'eŋ kim´э tэs) •adj. [ModL < Gr sklēros (see SCLERA) + enchyma, infusion: see PARENCHYMA]
sclerite (sklir´ait') •n. any of the hard plates forming the exoskeleton of arthropods [SCLER(O)- + -ITE¹]
scleritis (skli rait´is) •n. inflammation of the sclera [< fol. + -ITIS]
sclero- (sklir´ou, skler´-; -э) combining form 1 hard {sclerometer} 2 sclera {scleritis} Also, before a vowel, scler- [< Gr sklēros, hard: see SCLERA]
scleroderma (sklir'э dør´mэ, skler'-) •n. 1 hardening and thickening of the skin due to abnormal fibrous tissue growth 2 a disease in which this condition occurs [ModL: see SCLERO- & DERMA¹]
sclerodermatous (-dør´mэ tэs) •adj. Zool. covered with a hard outer tissue, as of horny scales or plates
scleroid (sklir´oid') •adj. Biol. hard or hardened [SCLER(O)- + -OID]
scleroma (skli rou´mэ) pl. -ma·ta (-mэ tэ) •n. a hardening of body tissues; tumorlike induration [ModL < Gr sklērōma: see SCLERA & -OMA]
sclerometer (-räm´эt эr) •n. an instrument for measuring the relative hardness of a substance by determining the pressure needed to cause a diamond point to scratch its polished surface [SCLERO- + -METER]
scleroprotein (sklir'э prou´ti:n', skler'-; -prout´i: in) •n. any of a class of fibrous animal proteins insoluble in water, including the keratins and collagens
sclerosed (skli roust´, sklir´ouzd') •adj. hardened, or indurated, as by sclerosis
sclerosis (skli rou´sis) pl. -ses (-si:z') •n. 1 Bot. a hardening of the cell wall of a plant, usually by an increase of lignin 2 Med. a) an abnormal hardening of body tissues or parts, esp. of the nervous system or the walls of arteries b) a disease characterized by such hardening [ME sclirosis < ML < Gr sklērōsis, a hardening < sklēros, hard: see SCLERA]
sclerotic (skli rät´ik) •adj. 1 hard; sclerosed 2 of, characterized by, or having sclerosis 3 of the sclera [ModL scleroticus < Gr sklērotēs, hardness: see SCLERA]
sclerotium (skli rou´shi: эm) pl. -ti·a (-shi: э) •n. in various fungi, a hardened, black or reddish-brown mass of threads in which food material is stored and which is capable of remaining dormant for long periods scle·ro´tial (-shэl) •adj. [ModL < Gr sklēros, hard: see SCLERA]
sclerotomy (skli rät´э mi:) pl. -mies •n. surgical incision into the sclera [SCLERO- + -TOMY]
sclerous (sklir´эs) •adj. hard, bony [< Gr sklēros, hard (see SCLERA) + -OUS]
ScM or Sc.M. Master of Science [L Scientiae Magister]
scoff¹ (skäf, sköf) •n. 1 an expression of mocking contempt, scorn, or derision; jeer 2 an object of mocking contempt, scorn, etc. •vt. to mock at or deride •vi. to show mocking contempt, scorn, or derision, esp. by language; jeer Often with at scoff´er •n. scoff´ing·ly •adv. [ME scof, prob. < Scand: akin to OE scop, singer, OHG skof, poem, ridicule: for IE base see SHOVE]
scoff² (skäf, sköf) •n. [Slang, Chiefly Brit.] food or rations •vt., vi. [Slang] 1 to eat or devour 2 to plunder or seize [< dial. scaff < ?]
scofflaw (skäf´lö') •n. [Colloq.] a habitual or flagrant violator of laws, esp. traffic or liquor laws [SCOFF¹ + LAW]
scold (skould) •n. a person, esp. a woman, who habitually uses abusive language •vt. to find fault with angrily; to rebuke or chide severely [ME scolden < the n.] •vi. 1 to find fault angrily 2 to use abusive language habitually scold´er •n. scold´ing •adj., n. SYN.—scold is the common term meaning to find fault with or rebuke in angry, irritated, often nagging language [a mother scolds a naughty child]; upbraid implies bitter reproach or censure and usually connotes justification for this [she upbraided me for my carelessness]; berate suggests continuous, heated, even violent reproach, often connoting excessive abuse [the old shrew continued berating them]; revile implies the use of highly abusive and contemptuous language and often connotes deliberate defamation or slander [he reviled his opponent unmercifully]; vituperate suggests even greater violence in the attack [vituperating each other with foul epithets] [ME scolde < ON skald, poet (prob. of satirical verses)]
scolecite (skäl´э sait', skoul´-) •n. a zeolite having the formula CaAl2Si3O10·3H2O [Ger scolezit < Gr skōlēx, worm (see SCOLEX): some forms curl when heated]
scolex (skou´leks') pl. sco·le·ces (skэ li:´si:z') or sco·li·ces (skoul´э si:z', skäl´-) •n. the head of a tapeworm, provided with hooks or suckers and acting as a holdfast in the intestine of a host [ModL < Gr skōlēx, grub, worm < IE base *(s)kel-, to bend, twist > L coluber, serpent]
scoliosis (skou'li: ou´sis, skäl'i:-) •n. lateral curvature of the spine sco'li·ot´ic (-ät´ik) •adj. [ModL < Gr skoliōsis, crookedness < skolios, crooked, akin to prec.]
scollop (skäl´эp) •n., vt. var. of SCALLOP
scombroid (skäm´broid') •adj. 1 of a widely distributed family (Scombridae) of spiny-finned percoid food fishes, including the mackerels, bonitos, and tunas 2 like a mackerel •n. a fish of this family [< ModL Scombridae < L scomber, mackerel (< Gr skombros) + -OID]
sconce¹ (skäns) •n. a bracket attached to a wall for holding a candle, candles, or the like [ME sconse, aphetic < OFr esconse, dark lantern < pp. of escondre, to hide < L abscondere: see ABSCOND]
sconce² (skäns) •n. 1 a small fort, bulwark, etc. 2 [Archaic] a) a hut, shed, or other shelter b) a helmet or the like c) the head or skull; also, brains; good sense •vt. sconced, sconc´ing [Obs.] 1 to provide with a SCONCE² (sense 1) 2 to shelter or protect [Du schans, fortress, orig., wickerwork, wicker basket < Ger schanze < It scanso, defense < scansare, to avoid < VL *excampsare < ex-, away + *campsare, to sail around < Gr kampsai, aorist of kamptein, to bend; akin to L campus: see CAMPUS]
sconce³ (skäns) sconced, sconc´ing •vt. to fine; esp., at Oxford University, to fine lightly for a breach of manners •n. such a fine [< ?]
Scone (sku:n, skoun) village in E Scotland northeast of Perth: site of an abbey that contained the stone (Stone of Scone) on which Scottish kings before 1296 were crowned: removed by Edward I and placed under the coronation chair at Westminster Abbey scone (skoun, skän) •n. a light cake, often quadrant-shaped and resembling a baking powder biscuit, orig. baked on a griddle, and served with butter [Scot, contr. < ? MDu schoonbrot, fine bread < schoon (akin to Ger schön, OE sciene: see SHEEN), beautiful + brot, BREAD]
scoop (sku:p) •n. 1 any of various utensils shaped like a small shovel or a ladle; specif., a) a kitchen utensil used to take up sugar, flour, etc. b) a small utensil with a round bowl, for dishing up ice cream, mashed potatoes, etc. c) a small, spoonlike surgical instrument 2 the deep shovel of a dredge or steam shovel, which takes up sand, dirt, etc. 3 the act or motion of taking up with or as with a scoop 4 the amount taken up at one time by a scoop 5 a hollowed-out place Æ 6 [Colloq.] a) the publication or broadcast of a news item before a competitor; beat b) such a news item c) current, esp. confidential, information •adj. designating a rounded, somewhat low neckline in a dress, etc. •vt. 1 to take up or out with or as with a scoop 2 to empty by bailing 3 to dig (out); hollow (out) 4 to make by digging out 5 to gather (in or up) as if with a scoop Æ 6 [Colloq.] to publish or broadcast a news item before (a competitor) scoop´er •n. [ME scope < MDu schope, bailing vessel, schoppe, a shovel, akin to Ger schöpfen, to dip out, create]
scoopful (-ful') pl. -fuls' •n. as much as a scoop will hold
scoot (sku:t) •vi., vt. [Colloq.] to go or move quickly; hurry (off); dart •n. [Colloq.] the act of scooting [prob. via dial. < ON skjōta, to SHOOT]
scooter (-эr) •n. 1 a child's toy for riding on, consisting of a low, narrow footboard with a wheel or wheels at each end, and a raised handlebar for steering: it is moved by a series of pushes made by one foot against the ground 2 short for MOTOR SCOOTER Æ 3 a sailboat with runners, for use on water or ice [< prec.]
scop (shöp, skäp) •n. an Old English poet or bard [OE, poet, minstrel, lit., maker of taunting verses: see SCOFF¹]
scope (skoup) •n. 1 the extent of the mind's grasp; range of perception or understanding {a problem beyond his scope} 2 the range or extent of action, inquiry, etc., or of an activity, concept, etc. {the scope of a book} 3 room or opportunity for freedom of action or thought; free play 4 short for TELESCOPE, MICROSCOPE, RADARSCOPE, etc. 5 Naut. length, extent, or sweep, as of a cable 6 [Now Rare] end; purpose SYN. RANGE [It scopo < L scopus, goal, target < Gr skopos, a mark, spy, watcher < base of skopein, to see, altered by metathesis < IE base *spe-, to peer, look carefully > SPY, L specere, to see]
-scope (skoup) combining form forming nouns an instrument, etc. for seeing or observing {telescope, retinoscope, kaleidoscope} [LL -scopium < Gr -skopion < skopein: see SCOPE]
scopolamine (skou päl´э mi:n', -min; skэ-) •n. an alkaloid, C17H21NO4, obtained from various plants of the nightshade family, as belladonna, and used in medicine as a sedative or hypnotic, and sometimes with morphine to relieve pain [Ger scopolamin < ModL Scopolia, genus of plants in which the alkaloid appears (after G. A. Scopoli (1723-88), of Pavia, Italy) + Ger amin, AMINE]
scopula (skäp´yu lэ) pl. -las or -lae' (-li:') •n. Zool. a brushlike tuft of hairs scop´u·late (-lit) •adj. [ModL < L, broom twig, dim. of scopa, thin branch, shoot, akin to scapus, stalk: see SHAFT]
-scopy (skэ pi:) combining form forming nouns examination, observation {bioscopy} [Gr -skopia < skopein: see SCOPE]
scorbutic (skör byu:t´ik) •adj. of, like, or having scurvy: also scor·bu´ti·cal [ModL scorbuticus < ML scorbutus, scurvy < Russ skrobotu, akin to skórbnut, to wither, grow ill < IE *(s)kerb(h)- > SHARP, SCURF]
scorch (skörch) •vt. 1 a) to char, discolor, or damage the surface of by superficial burning b) to parch, shrivel, or spoil by too intense heat; wither 2 to make a caustic attack on; assail scathingly; excoriate 3 to burn and destroy everything in (an area) before yielding it to the enemy {a scorched-earth policy} •vi. 1 to become scorched 2 [Old Slang] to ride or drive at high speed •n. 1 a superficial burning or burn 2 the browning and death of plant leaves or fruits, caused by too much heat, by fungi, etc. SYN. BURN¹ [ME scorchen < ? Scand, as in ON scorpna, to shrivel (< IE *(s)kerb(h)-: see SHARP): sp. prob. infl. by OFr escorcher, to flay]
scorcher (skör´chэr) •n. 1 anything that scorches 2 [Colloq.] a) a very hot day b) a withering remark
score (skör) •n. 1 a) a scratch, mark, incision, etc. {scores made on ice by skates} b) a line drawn or scratched, often to mark a starting point, etc. c) notches made in wood, marks made as with chalk, etc., to keep tally or account 2 an amount or sum due; account; debt 3 a grievance or wrong one seeks to settle or get even for 4 anything offered as a reason or motive; ground {on the score of poverty} 5 the number of points made in a game or contest by a player or team, or the record of these points 6 a) a grade or rating, as on a test or examination b) a number indicative of quality, usually based on an arbitrary scale in which 100 means perfection in certain specified characteristics {92 score butter} 7 a) twenty people or things; set of twenty b) [pl.] very many 8 [Colloq.] a successful move, stroke, remark, etc. Æ 9 a) the way that life or a certain situation really is; real facts (chiefly in know the score) b) the pertinent facts; lowdown 10 [Slang] the victim of a swindle; mark 11 [Slang] the act of getting or stealing, as drugs 12 Dancing notation used to indicate dancers' movements, as in a ballet 13 Music a) a written or printed copy of a composition, showing all the parts for the instruments or voices b) the music for a stage production, film, etc., esp. as distinguished from the lyrics, dialogue, etc. •vt. scored, scor´ing [ME scoren] 1 to mark with notches, scratches, cuts, lines, etc. 2 to crease or partly cut (cardboard, paper, etc.) for accurate folding or tearing 3 to cancel or mark out by lines drawn: with out 4 to mark with lines or notches in keeping account 5 to keep account of by or as by lines or notches; reckon; tally; mark 6 a) to make (runs, hits, goals, etc.) in a game and so add to one's number of points b) to count toward the number of points {a touchdown scores 6} c) to record or enter the score of d) to record or add (points) to one's score Æ e) Baseball to bring (a runner) home as by getting a hit 7 to get by effort or merit; gain {to score a resounding success} 8 to grade (an examination, etc.); rate or evaluate, as in testing 9 to get (a specified grade) on a test 10 a) to raise welts on by lashing Æ b) to criticize severely; upbraid 11 [Slang] to get or steal (drugs, money, etc.) 12 Cooking to cut superficial gashes in (meat, etc.) 13 Music, Dancing to orchestrate, arrange, or write out in a score •vi. 1 to make a point or points, as in a game 2 to keep the score, as of a game 3 to be rated by one's score on a test 4 a) to gain an advantage b) to win or enjoy credit, popularity, success, etc. 5 to make notches, lines, gashes, etc. 6 [Slang] to have sexual intercourse scor´er •n. [ME < OE scoru < ON skor < IE base *(s)ker-, to cut > SHEAR]
score card 1 a card for recording the score of a game, match, etc., as in golf 2 a card printed with the names, positions, etc. of the players of competing teams Also score´card' (-kärd') •n.
scoreboard (-börd') •n. Æ a large board for posting the score and other details of a game, as in a baseball stadium
scorekeeper (-ki:'pэr) •n. a person keeping score, esp. officially, at a game, competition, etc.
scoreless (-lis) •adj. with no points having been scored
scoria (skör´i: э) pl. -ri·ae' (-i:') •n. 1 the slag or refuse left after metal has been smelted from ore 2 loose, cinderlike lava sco'ri·a´ceous (-ei´shэs) •adj. [ME < L < Gr skōria, refuse, dross < skōr, dung: see SCATO-]
scorify (skör´э fai') -fied', -fy'ing •vt. to reduce to scoria, or slag sco'ri·fi·ca´tion •n.
scorn (skörn) •n. 1 extreme, often indignant, contempt for someone or something; utter disdain 2 expression of this in words or manner 3 the object of such contempt •vt. 1 to regard with scorn; view or treat with contempt 2 to refuse or reject as wrong or disgraceful •vi. [Obs.] to scoff SYN. DESPISE scorn´er •n. [ME < OFr escharn < escharnir, to scorn < Gmc base akin to OHG skernon, to mock, scern, a joke < IE base *(s)ker-, to leap, jump about > Gr skairein, to jump, dance]
scornful (-fэl) •adj. filled with or showing scorn or contempt scorn´ful·ly •adv. scorn´ful·ness •n.
scorpaenid (skör pi:´nid) •n. any of a family (Scorpaenidae, order Scorpaeniformes) of spiny-finned, marine bony fishes, including the scorpion fishes and the rockfishes scor·pae´noid' (-noid') •adj., n. [< L scorpaena, kind of fish < Gr skorpaina, fem. of skorpios, spiny fish (see SCORPION) + -ID]
Scorpio (skör´pi: ou') 1 old name of SCORPIUS 2 the eighth sign of the zodiac, entered by the sun about October 24 •n. a person born under this sign [L, lit., SCORPION]
scorpioid (-oid') •adj. 1 like a scorpion 2 of the order consisting of the scorpions 3 with a curved end, like a scorpion's tail; circinate [Gr skorpioeidēs]
scorpion (skör´pi: эn) •n. 1 any of an order (Scorpiones) of arachnids found in warm regions, with a front pair of nipping claws and a long, slender, jointed tail ending in a curved, poisonous sting 2 Bible a variety of whip or scourge [S-] SCORPIO [OFr < L scorpio < Gr skorpios, scorpion, kind of fish < IE base *(s)ker-, to cut > SHEAR]
scorpion fish any of various small, marine scorpaenids (esp. genus Scorpaena) with poisonous spines in the dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins
scorpion fly MECOPTERAN: the abdomen, in the male, curls up at the end and resembles a scorpion's sting
Scorpius (skör´pi: эs) a S constellation in the Milky Way between Ophiuchus and Ara, containing the bright star Antares
scot (skät) •n. money assessed or paid; tax; levy scot and lot 1 an old parish tax in Great Britain, assessed according to ability to pay 2 in full: in the phrase pay scot and lot [ME < ON skot, tribute, SHOT¹] Scot abbrev. 1 Scotch 2 Scotland 3 Scottish Scot (skät) •n. 1 a member of a Gaelic people of northern Ireland that migrated to Scotland in the 5th cent. A.D. 2 a native or inhabitant of Scotland: cf. SCOTSMAN, SCOTCHMAN [< ME Scottes, pl. < OE Scottas < LL Scoti, a people in N Britain, prob. < OIr Scuit, the Irish, pl. of Scot]
Scotch (skäch) •adj. of Scotland, its people, or their language or culture; Scottish: cf. SCOTTISH •n. 1 SCOTTISH 2 [often s-] whiskey, often having a smoky flavor, distilled in Scotland from malted barley: in full Scotch whisky the Scotch the Scottish people [contr. < SCOTTISH]
Scotch broth a broth of mutton and vegetables, thickened with barley
Scotch egg a British dish consisting of a hard-boiled egg encased in sausage meat, breaded, and fried
Scotch grain a coarse, pebble-grained finish given to heavy leather, esp. for men's shoes