onychophagia - Welcome | Scripps National Spelling Bee

2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

olpe onychophagia opal
n
ombrology / TBnEkPSfCj(G)E / opaleye
Gk
ombrophobe nail-biting. opaquely
n Resa applied a bitter substance to
/ SBmbrETfPb / her nails in hopes of curing her openness
Gk + Gk onychophagia.
a plant incapable of withstanding opera
long-continued rain. onymous
Excessive rain can cause the leaves operable
of an ombrophobe to decay and oolite
fall. operant
oolong
omen operate
oomycete
omens n operetta
n pl / TPESmITsGt /
/ SPmDnz / Gk + Gk operose
L a fungus of a subclass of parasitic
occurrences believed to portend or or saprophytic fungi that includes operoseness
show the character of a future water molds, white rusts, and n
event. downy mildews. / TBpESrPsnDs /
Losing his lucky coin and spilling A new fungicide has been L + Ecf
the salt were omens that pointed to developed to combat the oomycete the quality of requiring or
a bad day ahead for Nick. causing root rot in many crops. involving effort or labor.
The diplomat was not discouraged
ominously ooporphyrin by the operoseness and slowness of
n the negotiations.
omniphibious / TPESpO(r)fErDn /
Gk + Gk ophidian
omphaloskepsis a pale brown pigment in eggshells adj
(as of the domestic hen). / PSfidGEn /
onegite Julia explained to her young Gk
daughter that the ooporphyrin in of, relating to, or resembling that of
oneiromancy brown-shelled eggs in no way snakes : snakelike.
alters their quality. Medusa’s ophidian hairdo is a
oneness tidbit from mythology that many
ooze students never forget.
onomastic n
adj / SVz / ophiophagous
/ SBnETmastik / E
Gk a stretch or piece of muddy ground. opinionator
[Note: Could be confused with Without a moment’s hesitation they
onomastics.] of, relating to, or started through a puddle of sticky opisometer
consisting of a name or names. ooze, which quickly became ankle-
Pape’s onomastic lexicon is deep. opium
immeasurably useful to students of
ancient Greece. opacate opponent
v
ontological / PSpCTkCt / opportunistic
L
make impervious to the rays of
visible light.
Because even a small amount of
daylight awakens Scott, he uses
special shades that opacate his
windows.

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

oppress oracular ordinal
v adj n
/ ESpres / / OSrakyElE(r) / / Sord(F)nEl /
L L L
burden spiritually or mentally as if resembling an authoritative or wise a number designating the place (as
by pressure : weigh heavily upon. expression especially in solemnity first, second, third) occupied by
Feelings of failure oppress Candice of delivery. any item in an ordered sequence.
from time to time. Oz’s oracular pronouncement The ordinal for the number one is
impressed Dorothy and her friends. first.
oppressive
adj oracy ordinance
/ ESpresiv /
L orangelo orenda
overpowering or depressing to the n
spirit or senses. oration / PSrendE /
The troops battled the oppressive Wyandot
heat by drinking large amounts of oratorio extraordinary invisible power.
water. n The medicine man relied on his
/ TOrEStPrGTP / orenda to control others.
opsimath L > It
n a musical composition having a orexis
/ SBpsETmath / libretto based usually on a n
Gk scriptural subject and consisting / PSreksDs /
a person who begins to learn late in typically of recitatives, arias, Gk > L
life. choruses, orchestral interludes and the feeling and striving aspect of
The opsimath earned his high accompaniment, and sometimes mind as contrasted with the
school diploma at 77 and his spoken dialogue but having no intellectual.
college degree at 80. action, scenery, or costume. Anyone who has watched a baby
Handel’s oratorio Messiah is learn to walk knows that the human
optician performed annually at the orexis is innately strong.
n cathedral.
/ BpStishEn / organic
Gk > L > F oratory adj
one that grinds spectacle lenses to / O(r)Sganik /
prescription and dispenses orbicularity Gk
spectacles. n being, containing, or relating to
The new optician in town is / TO(r)TbikyESlarEZG / carbon compounds.
offering a special price on L Fadela’s science fiction novel
prescription sunglasses. the quality or state of resembling or starts with the discovery of organic
having the form of an orb or globe. compounds on Jupiter.
optics The geologist noted the stone’s
n pl highly unusual orbicularity. organization
/ SBptiks /
Gk orbiculate organophyly
a science that deals with light.
In the antiquarian shop, Liza found orchestrate organza
a 125-year-old book on optics.
orchestrelle organzine
optimum
ordain orguinette
optometer
ordered oriental

ordinable originated

orinasal

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

orismology ortstein osmoscope
n n n
/ TOrDzSmBlEjG / / SOrtTstIn / / SBzmETskPp /
Gk + Gk G Gk
the science of defining technical a cemented or compacted and often an instrument for detecting and
terms. clayey layer in soil that hampers measuring odors.
At the conference of botanists, root penetration and may be caused The inspector used an osmoscope
problems relating to orismology by repeated plowing to the same to find the gas leak in the basement.
were discussed with reference depth.
especially to terms used in plant The local soil contains so much osseous
pathology. clay that the farmers have had to adj
use special techniques to avoid / SBsGEs /
ornithoid turning their fields to ortstein. L
adj [has near homonym: Aussies]
/ SO(r)nETJOid / oryzivorous composed of or resembling bone :
Gk bony.
birdlike. oscillate The oyster is protected by its
The ornithoid statue in Walcott osseous shell.
Park is always covered with oscillometer
pigeons. n ossificatory
/ TBsESlBmEZE(r) / adj
ornithology L + Gk / ESsifDkETtPrG /
an instrument for measuring the L
ornithoscopy changes in pulsations in the of or involving the process of bone
arteries. formation.
orography Some blood pressure instruments A poor diet can easily interfere
are equipped with an oscillometer with the ossificatory process.
orthic to measure the pressure
fluctuations within the bag. ossify
orthoepist
oscitancy osteogenesis
orthophoria n
/ SBsEZEnsG / osteomyelitis
orthopterology L
n drowsiness usually demonstrated osteopath
/ (T)O(r)TthBptESrBlEjG / by yawns. n
Gk >L By the third day of testimony on / SBstGETpath /
the study of insects with blood types, oscitancy had swept Gk
mouthparts fitted for chewing, two the courtroom. a practitioner of a system of
pairs of wings or none, and an medical practice based on the
incomplete metamorphosis. osier theory that diseases are due chiefly
The study of crickets and n to a loss of structural integrity in
grasshoppers, cockroaches, / SPzhE(r) / the tissues.
mantises, and stick insects is L>F>E If Dr. Fletcher can’t cure Reba’s
included in orthopterology. any of various willows whose headaches, she plans to consult an
pliable twigs are used for furniture osteopath.
ortolan and basketry.
The children wove many small osteopathy
baskets with the twigs of the osier.
osteophyte
Osirian n
adj / SBstGETfIt /
/ PSsIrGEn / Gk
Egyptian name a small pathological bony
of or relating to Osiris, ancient outgrowth.
Egyptian god of the underworld. George’s back pain was caused by
Thanks to Plutarch, the Osirian an osteophyte on one of his
legend was recorded for posterity. vertebrae.

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

osteoplasty otoscope overcapitalize
n
osteotomy / SPZETskPp / overindulgent
Gk + Gk
ostium an instrument fitted with lighting oversight
n and magnifying lens systems and
/ SBstGEm / used to facilitate visual inspection overwhelm
L of the auditory canal and ear drum. v
one of the lateral slits in the heart Dr. Jamison peered through the / TPvE(r)S(h)welm /
of an arthropod by which the blood otoscope into Kayla’s ear. E
enters from the pericardium. overthrow and bury beneath :
The ostium allows blood to reenter ounce engulf completely.
the insect’s heart from the insect’s n Mudslides can overwhelm entire
one blood vessel, which runs / SaUn(t)s / communities in a matter of minutes.
dorsally the length of its body. L>F>E
a unit of weight equal to 1/16 overwrought
otherworldly avoirdupois pound. adj
To understand why gold is sold by / TPvE(r)SrOt /
otiose the ounce and silver is sold by the E
adj pound, check the prices. suffering from or revealing nervous
/ SPshGTPs / strain : agitated.
L oust Randy’s parents are overwrought
being at leisure or at ease : idle, v by his desire to get a tattoo.
unemployed. / SaUst /
The otiose travelers slept until L > F > AF ovibos
nearly noon. put out of possession : eject, n
dispossess from, or deprive of an / SPvETbBs /
otioseness inheritance. L
The rebels met in secret and voted a heavyset shaggy-coated wild ox
otiosity to oust the king by force if now confined to Greenland and the
n necessary. barren northern lands of North
/ TPshGSBsEZG / America—called also “musk ox.”
L>F outbreak The horns of the ovibos grow
the quality or state of lacking use, sideways from the skull, curving
effect, or function. outdoorsy downward at the sides of the head
Mr. Simmons advised that and then upwards at the ends.
complaining about the power outmoded
outage would be an exercise in ovine
otiosity, because nothing could be outrance adj
done about it. / SPTvIn /
outsert L
otorhinolaryngology of, being, or relating to sheep.
n outvote Selena wrote a paper on infectious
/ TPZETrInPTlarDnSgBlEjG / ovine diseases for the veterinary
Gk ouvert journal.
a branch of medicine that deals adj
with the ear, nose, and throat and / VSve(E)r / ovularian
their diseases and disorders. F
The Cleveland Clinic’s department having an open stance or owlet
of otorhinolaryngology examined a movement in ballet.
rock group and found that all its The prima ballerina demonstrated oxblood
members suffered from laryngitis. an ouvert plié to the class.

ovality

ovary

ovenware

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

oxford padlock Paleozoic
n adj
/ SBksfE(r)d / padre / TpClGESzPik /
E geog name n Gk
a low-cut usually laced shoe / SpB(T)drC / of or relating to a division of
coming to the instep. L > Sp or It or Pg geological history from the
The salesclerk suggested a saddle a military chaplain. beginning of the Cambrian to the
oxford as a comfortable everyday Father Mulcahey, the base close of the Permian periods.
shoe. chaplain on the television series Seed-bearing plants and
M*A*S*H, was often referred to as amphibians first appeared in the
oxidization “the padre.” Paleozoic era.
n paduasoy
/ TBksEdDSzCshEn / n pales
Gk > F / SpajEwETsOi / n pl
the act or process of chemically It geog name + F / SpClz /
adding oxygen to. a rich heavy corded silk fabric for L
Oxidization is part of the process of clothing and upholstery. [Note: The definition provided is
releasing energy during the The Venetian prince wore a tunic of not the one most commonly
metabolism of carbohydrates. embroidered paduasoy. associated with this word. In
addition, word has homonym:
ozone paganism pails.] slats fastened to a rail at top
n and bottom for fencing : pickets.
/ SPTzPn / paginate They now walked on together
Gk > G quietly till within view of the
an allotropic triatomic form of pahoehoe vicarage pales.
oxygen that is normally a faintly n
blue irritating gas with a / pEShPGThPG / palette
characteristic pungent odor. Hawaiian
While browsing through the cooled hard lava marked by a palfrey
magazine, Ken learned that ozone smooth often billowy shiny surface. n
is formed in the atmosphere by a The geologist showed the class / SpOlfrG /
process involving diatomic oxygen samples of different types of lava, (Gk + Gaulish > L) > F > E
and solar radiation. including pahoehoe. a saddle horse other than a war-
horse having a light, easy gait.
ozostomia paillard With his war-horse lame, the knight
had no other choice but to ride a
pacemaker pair palfrey.

pachisi palatalize palingenesis
v n
pachymeter / SpalEZFlTIz / / TpalDnSjenEsDs /
n L + Ecf Gk
/ pESkimEZE(r) / pronounce with the front of the renewal by or as if by rebirth, as
Gk tongue near or touching the hard the doctrine of reincarnation.
an instrument for measuring roof of the mouth. The discussion of palingenesis
thickness (as of paper). English speakers palatalize the first started with the illustration of an
The paper mill’s superintendent of n in the word onion. oak tree producing acorns, which,
quality control finally ordered an in turn, produce oak trees.
electronic pachymeter. paleface
palisade
pachysandra paleography
n
pacifism / TpClGSBgrEfG /
Gk
packet the study of ancient modes of
writing including inscriptions.
pact The museum turned over the
mysterious stone tablets to a
paddle specialist in paleography.

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

palisado paludicolous panached
n adj adj
/ TpalESsCdP / / TpalyESdikElEs / / pESnasht /
L > OProv > Sp L F
a fence of stakes used especially for living or thriving in a marshy variegated with stripes of color.
defense. environment. Donna planted a bed of red and
Irwin’s group walked along the The campers were not used to the white panached tulips.
fort’s entire palisado while the tour nightly cacophony of the nearby
guide talked endlessly. paludicolous frogs. panama
n
palladian palynological / SpanETmB /
adj adj Tupi > Central American geog
/ pESlCdGEn / / TpalEnESlBjDkEl / name
Gk > L Gk a fine lightweight hat of natural-
of or relating to wisdom or concerned with pollen or pollen colored straw hand-plaited of
learning. grains. narrow strips from the young
Ike tries to strike a balance Dr. Wickes hopes that her leaves of the jipijapa.
between palladian pursuits and palynological research will some While on a tropical vacation, Mr.
recreational activities. day help many who suffer from Pease bought a white, hand-woven
allergies. panama to shade his head.
palliasse
pampas panchreston
palliatory n pl n
/ SpampEz / / panSkrestEn /
pallid Quechua&Aymara > Sp Gk
adj extensive generally grass-covered a broadly inclusive and often
/ SpalDd / plains of temperate South America oversimplified thesis that is
L east of the Andes. intended to cover all possible
lacking in brightness or intensity : Morrie dreams of being a gaucho variations within an area of
pale—used of a color or a colored on the Argentine pampas. concern.
object. Michael’s doctoral advisor gently
Today’s pallid sky contrasts pamper explained that his thesis was a
sharply with yesterday’s brilliant panchreston and needed to be more
blue one. pampero focused.
n
pally / pamSperP / panchromatic
AmerSp
palmery a strong cold wind from the west or pancosmism
southwest that sweeps over the
palmetto pampas of South America from the pancreas
Andes.
palmistry The cattle were huddled together pandowdy
with their backs turned into the n
palpably pampero. / panSdaUdG /
unknown
palpus pamphletize a deep-dish apple dessert that is
n spiced; sweetened with sugar,
/ SpalTpEs / panachage molasses, or maple syrup; and
L n covered with a rich biscuit crust
a segmented process attached to a / TpanESshBzh / and baked.
mouthpart of an arthropod, usually F Mother serves pandowdy, our
having a tasting or feeling function. a variation of the list system that favorite dessert, whenever visitors
Jack found a species of allows a voter to redistribute names stay for dinner.
grasshopper with an unusually from several party lists into a list
large palpus. having names in an order of his or panegyrical
her own choice.
palter Harry proposed panachage as an panegyrist
alternative to the old procedure.
panforte

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

Panglossian Pansil papillote
adj n n
/ panSglBsGEn / / Span(t)sDl / / SpapETlPt /
(Gk + Gk) > F literary name Skt > Pali > Singhalese L>F
marked by the view that “all is for [Note: Could be confused with a greased paper wrapper in which
the best in this best of possible pencil.] the rite in Hinayana food is cooked and served.
worlds.” Buddhism of undertaking Harvey carefully peeled the colored
The coach’s Panglossian attitude ceremonially a set of five precepts papillote from his chocolate
lifted his team’s sagging spirits. of morality. cupcake.
Pansil is taken individually before
pangolin a Buddhist shrine or collectively at papyraceous
n the beginning of a Buddhist
/ SpaNgElDn / meeting of any kind. parabola
Malay n
any of a family of Asian and pansit / pESrabElE /
African toothless mammals having n Gk + Gk
the body covered with large / SpBn(t)sDt / a plane curve generated in such a
overlapping horny scales and Tag manner that it is equal to a conic
feeding chiefly on ants. a Chinese noodle dish of the section formed by the intersection
Because of its overlapping scales, Philippines. of a cone with a plane parallel to an
the pangolin is sometimes called a As more and more ethnic element of the cone.
walking artichoke. restaurants open, Americans are The high fly ball described a
becoming familiar with dishes such parabola in the air.
panhandle as pansit.
parachronism
panicky pantaloonery
paradigms
panjandrum pantheon
n paradoxical
panophobia / Span(t)thGTBn /
n Gk paragoge
/ TpanESfPbGE / a temple dedicated to all the gods. n
L + Gk The pantheon in Rome has survived / SparETgPjG /
a condition of vague nonspecific remarkably intact since ancient Gk
anxiety : generalized fear. times. the addition of a sound or syllable
For several days after the to the end of a word.
earthquake, Rachel experienced a pantometer By paragoge, the word golden was
mild panophobia. n formed from the word gold.
/ panStBmEZE(r) /
panoplied Gk > F paragon
a device for measuring all angles.
panoply The pantometer can be used to paralogism
n measure all sorts of angles, n
/ SpanEplG / lengths, and heights. / pESralETjizEm /
Gk Gk
a magnificent or impressive array. panzer a reasoning contrary to logical rules
The panoply of wildflowers in the or formulas.
meadow took away Carla’s breath. panzootic The debate team was defeated once
its paralogism was exposed.
panorama papagallo
paralyze
papal
paranee
paparchical

papaverine

papered

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

parricide paseo patchy
n n
/ SparETsId / / pBSsCP / patently
L Sp adv
[has near homonym: parasite] one a leisurely stroll : promenade. / SpatFntlG /
that murders his or her father, Florrie and Georgia took an L
mother, or a close relative. afternoon paseo down the clearly, obviously, plainly.
The judge ordered a psychiatric boulevard. The marketing company was sued
evaluation of the accused because some parts of its
parricide. paskha infomercial were patently untrue.
n
parried / SpBsKE / paterfamilias
v Gk > Russ n
/ SparGd / a molded Russian dessert made of / TpaZE(r)fESmilGEs /
L > Prov > F cheese, cream, raisins, candied L
warded off a weapon or blow by fruit, and nuts and traditionally the male head of a household.
means of a defensive action. served at Easter. Kevin declared himself
Neither fencer scored as they Basking in the admiration of her paterfamilias for the day and took
parried for several minutes. family, Tatiana proudly brought the his younger siblings to the baseball
paskha to the table. game.
parrot
passably pathetic
parrotlet adj
passade / pEStheZik /
parsimonious Gk > L
passgang evoking tenderness, pity, sympathy,
parsley or sorrow : affecting, pitiable.
passim The pathetic man, whose clothes
partage were worn and tattered, had once
passimeter been a prominent community
partan leader.
passionately
partial adv pathology
/ Spash(E)nDtlG / n
partiality L + Ecf / pESthBlEjG /
with great feeling : enthusiastically. Gk
participation “Now let me see,” Mrs. Whatsit the study of diseases; their essential
pondered. “I’m passionately fond nature, causes, and development;
participle of Russian caviar.” and the structural and functional
pastel changes produced by them.
particular adj Carla, a second-year medical
adj / paSstel / student, was considering choosing
/ pE(r)StikyElEr / L > It > F pathology as her specialty.
L pale and light in color : lacking in
distinctive among others of the brilliance and intensity. pathways
same kind : out of the ordinary : Mrs. Cooper selected bold rather n pl
worthy of notice. than pastel colors for her new / SpathTwCz /
Was there a particular reason that baby’s bedroom decor. E+E
you overslept today? tracks specially constructed for a
parure pastime particular use (as walking).
Another open green door revealed
parvanimity pastor bushes and pathways between beds
containing winter vegetables.
parvitude pastoral
patina
pastoralism

patas

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

patio pauperize peccavi
n v n
/ SpaZGTP / / SpOpESrIz / / peSkB(T)vG /
L > OProv? > Sp L + Ecf L
a recreation area adjoining a reduce to abject poverty. a humble acknowledgment of sin or
dwelling, often paved, and adapted Afraid that another market dip error : confession.
especially to outdoor dining. would pauperize him, Soren sold The leader stood in front of his
Rachel’s birthday party was held his shares in dot-com companies. followers and uttered a tearful
on the sunny patio. peccavi, hoping that they would
pawned forgive and forget.
patioed
payable pecksniffian
patisserie adj
payola / pekSsnifGEn /
patriliny n fictional E name + Ecf
/ pCSPlE / unctuously hypocritical : selfish
patronize L > F > E + E? and corrupt behind a display of
an undercover or indirect payment seeming benevolence.
patroons for a commercial favor. The pecksniffian humbug in charge
n pl The disc jockey was fired when it of the charity event took on the job
/ pEStrVnz / became known that he received merely as a public relations stunt.
L>F payola from a record company.
the proprietors of the tracts of land pectoral
granted to members of the Dutch payroll adj
West India Company. / Spekt(E)rEl /
Most of present-day New York and peabody L
New Jersey was once owned by n of, related to, situated or occurring
patroons. / SpGTbBdG / in or on, or worn on the chest.
E name Turning a so-called “painted”
patten a fast ballroom dance in open turtle over reveals beautiful orange
n position. and green patterns on its pectoral
/ SpatFn / The Lowensteins surprised plates.
L>F>E everyone at the Opera Ball when
[has homonym: paten] a clog, they danced the peabody. peculiarities
sandal, or overshoe often with a n pl
wooden sole or metal device to peacetime / pDTkyVlSyarEZGz /
elevate the foot and increase the L
wearer’s height or aid in walking in peacock qualities or states belonging
mud. exclusively or especially to a
Jack kicked aside the muddied peameal person or group.
patten that Marsha had left on the Among her less endearing
porch. pearl peculiarities is a penchant for
always arriving late.
pattern pebbled
peculiarly
paulopost peccancy adv
n / pDSkyVlyE(r)lG /
paunch / SpekEnsG / L>E
L particularly, unusually.
paunchy the quality or state of being guilty Lucille was peculiarly grumpy
of a moral offense. during lunch.
pauper The stockholders decided to
overlook the CEO’s peccancy and pedagogy
reelected him to another term.
peddle

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

pedestal pegasus pelmatogram
n n n
/ SpedDstFl / / SpegEsEs / / pelSmaZETgram /
It > F Gk name Gk + Gk
the base of an upright structure (as a fabulous winged horse; especially an impression of the sole of the
a statue, vase, or lamp). : the winged steed thought of as foot.
Because tourists did so much bearing a poet in flights of fancy. Joan picked up the bronzed
damage to the statue in the town Monique drew a picture of Mother pelmatogram and reminisced about
square, it was moved to a much Goose riding on a pegasus instead the time when her son was a baby.
higher pedestal. of a goose.
pelorus
pediculosis peignoir
n n pelota
/ pDTdikyESlPsDs / / pCnSwB(r) /
L L>F peloton
infestation with lice. a woman’s loose negligee or n
The school nurse explained that dressing gown. / SpelETtBn /
about five percent of elementary Betty’s black peignoir fluttered as F
school children are affected with she walked past the air conditioner. a European ornamental glass.
pediculosis. There was a large display of
Pekingology peloton in the window of the
pedigerous n antique shop.
adj / TpG(T)kiNSBlEjG /
/ pDSdijErEs / Chinese geog name penalize
L the study of the policies and
having feet : footed. practices of Communist China. pendentive
The insect had three pedigerous Professor Chen was an expert in
segments. Pekingology. pendicle

pedigreed pelean pending
adj adj
pediment / pDSlGEn / / SpendiN /
Martinique geog name L + Ecf
pedodontics of, relating to, or resembling not yet decided : in continuance.
volcanic eruptions characterized by Most of the cases pending before
peerage violent expulsion of clouds or the honor council deal with
n blasts of incandescent volcanic ash. cheating.
/ Spirij / The pelean eruption of Mount St.
L>F>E Helens filled the Toutle River with pendulosity
the rank or dignity of nobility. many tons of ash.
The war hero’s name was penitent
submitted to the king for a peerage. pelelith n
/ SpenEZEnt /
peevish pelerine L
adj a person regretful of sin : one
/ SpGvish / pellet sorrowful because of his
E transgressions.
marked by ill temper. pellucidity St. Francis of Assisi spent several
The nurse showed great patience n years as a penitent at the beginning
and forbearance toward her / TpelyESsidEZG / of his conversion.
peevish patient. L
the quality or state of permitting penny
one to see through to a remarkable
degree. penologist
The pellucidity of the water in the
bay attracted many scuba divers.

pellucidly

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

penology penultimate perciatelli
n adj n
/ pGSnBlEjG / / pDSnEltEmDt / / TperchESte(l)lG /
Gk + Gk L It
next to the last. long tubular pasta slightly thicker
a branch of criminology dealing In the word ammunition, the stress than spaghetti.
falls on the penultimate syllable. The specialty at Antonio’s
with prison management and the restaurant was perciatelli with
treatment of offenders especially peonage meatballs.

with regard to their rehabilitation. peppermint percolator

In his course in penology, Jake
studied the procedures for

probation and parole.

pensionnat peppery perdition
adj n
pentacle / Spep(E)rG / / pE(r)SdishEn /
n E L
/ SpentDkEl / hot, pungent, piquant. the place of eternal punishment in
L > It The peppery smell coming from the the future state.
a five-pointed star producible by wok almost made Josh choke when Overly remorseful for his minor
one continuous line. he entered the kitchen. wrongdoing, Bryce felt sure that a
The man who came to the door place in perdition was reserved for
wore a necklace with a bronze peradventure him.
pentacle on it. n
/ TpErEdSvenchE(r) / perdure
pentagonal L>F>E
an opinion based on guesswork : peregrination
pentastich surmise. n
n Thinking that Phil’s favorite color / TperEgrDSnCshEn /
/ SpentETstik / is red just because he purchased a L
Gk + Gk red car is a peradventure. an excursion especially on foot or
a unit, stanza, or poem consisting to a foreign country : journey.
of five lines. percale Julie’s peregrination to Italy
Eric recited a limerick as an opened her eyes to the splendors of
example of a pentastich. percaline Renaissance art.

Pentateuchal perceived peremptorily
adj v
/ TpentEStVkEl / / pE(r)SsGvd / perennially
Gk L>F>E
of or relating to the first five books became aware of through the perfectibilism
of the Old Testament. senses.
The synagogue’s guest lecturer was Through the mist, Steve perceived perfidiously
a world-famous Pentateuchal the shape of a house. adv
scholar. / pE(r)SfidGEslG /
perceptibly L
penthouse adv in a dishonest or disloyal manner.
n / pE(r)SseptEblG / Paul has a reputation for behaving
/ SpentThaUs / L perfidiously and should not be
L>E in a manner so as to be perceived. given confidential information.
a dwelling built on a roof. When Laura entered the
Lyla lives in the penthouse of a chic supermarket, the air was perfunctory
new apartment building. perceptibly cooler. adj
/ pE(r)SfEN(k)t(E)rG /
perch L
characterized by routine or
percheron superficiality : cursory.
The bureaucrat gave the teenager a
perfunctory smile and continued to
ignore her.

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pergola periphyton periwig
n n
pericardium / pESrifETtBn / / SperDTwig /
n Gk F
/ TperESkBrdGEm / organisms that live attached to one of several wigs popularly worn
Gk > L underwater surfaces. from the 17th century to the early
the conical sac of serous membrane Periphyton, such as certain algae, 19th century.
that encloses the heart. live on submerged plant stems and The museum exhibited an imposing
The bullet wound narrowly missed leaves. portrait of King Louis XIV wearing
piercing Officer Callahan’s an elaborate periwig.
pericardium. peripteral
adj permafrost
pericope / pESript(E)rEl /
Gk permanent
perigloea having a row of columns on all
sides. permeability
periglottis The Parthenon in Athens is a n
peripteral temple, and most of its / TpErmGESbilEZG /
perilous columns are still standing. L + Ecff
adj the quality or state of being
/ SperElEs / periscope passable, penetrable, or pervious—
L>F>E used especially of a substance that
full of, attended with, or involving perished allows the passage of fluids.
danger. adj The permeability of Larry’s tent to
Karen covered her eyes frequently / Sperisht / the rain resulted in a wet evening
during the movie, unable to watch L > F > E + Ecf for the campers.
her favorite actor face one perilous deadened or weakened by
pitfall after another. exposure. permissible
The perished cotton crop was a
periodic result of the severe hail storm permit
during the night. n
periodontal / SpErTmit /
adj peristyle Sp > E
/ TperGPSdBntFl / [Note: The definition provided is
Gk peritonitis not the one most commonly
of or affecting the tissues or regions n associated with this word.] a large
surrounding a tooth. / TperEtESnIZDs / up to three feet long blue and silver
The closeup photographs of Gk pompano found especially off the
advanced periodontal disease made inflammation of the membrane that West Indies and Florida.
Kara want to floss her teeth. lines the cavity of the abdomen of a The game warden wouldn’t allow
mammal. Vince to catch a permit without a
periosteal The cause of Beth’s abdominal fishing license.
adj pain was bacterial peritonitis.
/ TperGSBstGEl / permitted
Gk peritus
situated around bone or produced n perpend
external to existing bone. / pESrGZEs / v
The bone scan revealed periosteal L / pE(r)Spend /
inflammations around the tibia in an expert who acts as an adviser at L
both legs. a Vatican council. weigh carefully in the mind.
When the council reached an He retired to the inn to write notes
impasse, the peritus was called and perpend his situation.
upon for advice.

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perpendicularly perspective pertussis
adv n n
/ TpErpEnSdikyElErlG / / pE(r)Sspektiv / / pE(r)StEsDs /
L L L
exactly vertical or upright. the appearance to the eye of objects whooping cough.
Because he was so frightened, Paul in respect to their relative distance In the United States, babies are
could not sit perpendicularly upon and positions. routinely immunized against
the horse. Perspective made the long rows of pertussis.
machines seem almost to meet.
perpension pesade
perspicacity n
perpetrator / pESsCd /
n perspiry L > It > F
/ SpErpETtrCZE(r) / adj a dressage maneuver in which a
L / pE(r)SspIrG / horse is made to raise his
one that commits an offense or L > F + Ecf forequarters while keeping his hind
crime. sweaty. feet on the ground without
The perpetrator was apprehended In the muggy weather Kendall advancing.
after a high-speed car chase by wears lightweight clothing so as The pesade is the first lesson taught
police. not to become perspiry. a horse in order to bring him to
curvets.
perpetuity perstringe
v pessimism
perplex / pE(r)Sstrinj /
L pessimistic
perplexed find fault with : censure, criticize. adj
“Why must you perstringe / TpesESmistik /
persistent everything I do?” cried Emma. L>F
marked by disbelief, distrust, or a
personage persuasion lack of confidence, hope, or joy.
n The senator was pessimistic about
/ SpErs(F)nij / persuasively the passage of any tax-cutting bills
L>F>E adv this year.
an eminent man or woman; / pE(r)SswCsDvlG /
especially : one distinguished for L + Ecff pestiferous
presence and personal power. in a manner influencing the mind
Winston Churchill, a personage by arguments or reasons. petard
most widely known for his The puppy looked longingly at the
leadership during and after World boy’s cookie and wagged its tail petechial
War II, was also an accomplished persuasively. adj
artist. / pDStGkGEl /
pertaining L > It
personalia marked by minute reddish or
perturb purplish spots containing blood that
personify v appear in skin or mucous
v / pErStErb / membranes especially in some
/ pE(r)SsBnETfI / L infectious diseases.
Etruscan > L > F [Note: The definition provided is Dr. Owens told Boris to let him
be the embodiment of. not the one most commonly know if the petechial rash on his
Zoltan strove to personify the associated with this word.] cause (a hand did not disappear in a couple
perfect Boy Scout. planet or other celestial body) to of days.
deviate from a theoretically regular
orbital motion usually as a result of petite
extraordinary gravitational pull. adj
The black hole’s great density / pEStGt /
caused it to perturb a nearby star. F
small and trim of figure : little.
For such a petite woman, Alana
has a surprisingly resonant voice.

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petition phalangeal phenomenally
n adj
/ pDStishEn / / fESlanjGEl / philamot
L Gk > L adj
the act or action of formally asking of or relating to the digital bones of / SfilETmBt /
or humbly requesting. the hand or foot of a vertebrate. F
The students, through their right of Gert’s phalangeal joints were of the color of a dead leaf or
petition, have helped bring about swollen with rheumatism. brownish orange.
changes in the school cafeteria’s When Ken called Vicky’s coat a
menu. phalarope lovely shade of philamot, she had
no idea his remark was an insult.
petitionee phantasmagoria
philanderer
petrel phantom
philanthropist
petronella pharmaceuticals
n n pl philanthropy
/ TpetrESnelE / / fBrmESsUZDkElz / n
name? Gk > L / fDSlan(t)thrEpG /
a Scottish country dance of the 19th medicinal drugs. Gk
century. Congress reviewed the laws goodwill expressed through active
Fiona and Brian learned the governing the importation of efforts to promote human welfare :
petronella on the Isle of Skye. experimental pharmaceuticals. humanitarianism.
A few individuals with a well-
petticoat pharmaceutics developed sense of philanthropy
n pl can do wonders for society.
pettifog / TfBrmESsVZiks /
v Gk Philomel
/ SpeZGTfBg / the science of preparing, using, or n
G name dispensing medicines. / SfilETmel /
quibble over insignificant details. A degree in pharmaceutics is one of Gk name
You can expect Aunt Dana and the requirements for a job in the nightingale.
Aunt Elizabeth to pettifog over drug research laboratory. The Philomel usually sings at night.
every family story they can
remember. pharmacist philosophize
v
pettish pharmacology / fDSlBsETfIz /
n Gk + Ecf
pewter / TfBrmESkBlEjG / seek a rational basis for fact and
Gk > L experience : reflect, theorize.
pfeffernuss the study of drugs, their Jermain’s chemistry teacher
n composition, effects, and use in encouraged him to philosophize
/ SfefE(r)TnVs / medicine. about the nature of the elements.
G Having done well in both biology
a small hard highly spiced cookie and chemistry courses, Phyllis phobia
made traditionally for the decided to pursue a degree in
Christmas holidays. pharmacology. phobic
The aroma of pfeffernuss in the adj
oven brought back memories of pharmacy / SfPbik /
Christmas to the old man. Gk
pharyngeal of, relating to, characterized by, or
phaeochrous arising from an exaggerated and
adj pharyngology often disabling fear usually
/ fGSBkrEs / inexplicable to the subject.
Gk phasic A phobic person’s fear serves to
dusky. protect the ego from anxiety arising
A phaeochrous cloud hovered over phatic from unexpressed aggressive
the city for several hours following impulses.
the earthquake. phenol

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phonation photobiology photometeor
n n
phoneme / TfPZPTbISBlEjG / / SfPZ(T)PTmGZGE(r) /
Gk > ISV Gk > ISV
phonetic a branch of biology that deals with a temporary luminous phenomenon
adj the effects on living beings of light in the sky.
/ fPSneZik / and other forms of radiant energy. Many UFO sightings can be
Gk > L Part of Prof. Sanford’s grant was explained as some sort of naturally
of or relating to spoken language or to study the photobiology of occurring photometeor.
speech sounds. aquatic plants.
Carmen asked me to write the photometer
phonetic spellings next to the photochromic n
difficult words. adj / fPStBmEZE(r) /
/ TfPZESkrPmik / Gk + Gk
phonics Gk an instrument for measuring
capable of changing color on luminous intensity by comparison
phosgene exposure to radiant energy (as of two unequal lights from different
light). sources.
phosphorescent Gail doesn’t need sunglasses Astronomer Edward Charles
adj anymore because her new Pickering invented a photometer to
/ TfBsfESresFnt / prescription lenses are measure the brightness of stars.
Gk + Lcf photochromic.
exhibiting or characterized by photomicroscope
luminescence. photocopy n
The phosphorescent glow of / TfPZPSmIkrPTskPp /
decaying wood lit up the forest. photoelectric Gk
adj a combined microscope, camera,
phosphoric / TfPZPTDSlektrik / and suitable light source.
Gk > ISV Florio set up a photomicroscope to
phosphorus relating to or utilizing any of take pictures of the protozoa he
n various electrical effects due to the found in the pond.
/ SfBsfErEs / interaction of light and other
Gk > L radiation with matter. photomontage
a nonmetallic element of the Prof. Minchin showed by
nitrogen family that occurs widely experiment the photoelectric photon
in combined form especially as current set up by a beam of light n
inorganic phosphates in minerals, falling on a sheet immersed in a / SfPTtBn /
soils, natural waters, bones, and solution of acid carbonate of Gk
teeth and as organic phosphates in calcium. a massless elementary particle with
all living cells. one quantum unit of spin that is the
Photographers used to burn photoflood carrier of radiant energy (as light or
powdered phosphorus to create a n X rays).
flash. / SfPZPTflEd / The concept of the photon
Gk + E originated in Einstein’s
phosvitin an electric lamp using excess explanation of the photoelectric
voltage to give intense sustained effect.
photic illumination for taking
adj photographs.
/ SfPZik / The photoflood blew the fuse in the
Gk + Ecf old house.
of, pertaining to, or caused by light.
When a clam is placed on its side, photoing
it will tightly close its valve in v
response to both tactile and photic / SfPZPiN /
receptors. Gk + Ecf
obtaining an image with a camera.
While she was photoing, Darcy
bound her hair back with a
barrette.

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photovoltaic phugoid phytoplankton
adj adj n
/ TfPZPvBlStCik / / SfyVTgOid / / TfIZESplaNktEn /
(Gk + It name + E) > ISV Gk Gk
of, utilizing, or relating to the of, relating to, or representing the floating plant life of a body of
generation of an electromotive variations in the longitudinal water consisting largely of minute
force when radiant energy falls on motion or course of the center of plants (as diatoms and blue-green
the boundary between certain mass of an airplane in flight. algae).
dissimilar substances in close Glider designers study phugoid Phytoplankton are at the bottom of
contact. theory to develop stable aircraft. the ocean’s food chain, which
A photovoltaic effect can be means that they are vital to all
produced with cuprous oxide and phylic marine animals.
copper or with an electrode and an
electrolyte. phyllomancy piaffe

phrase phyllotaxy piano

phreatic phylogeny picador
adj n
/ frGSaZik / / fISlBjEnG / pickerel
Gk Gk
of or relating to a well—used of the history or course of the Pickwickian
underground waters reachable by development of an immaterial adj
drilling. thing. / pikSwikGEn /
Kathryn’s data indicate that there It would be difficult for phylogeny E name + Ecf
is a large phreatic source of water to explain the emergence of so marked by simplicity and
six miles northeast of the city. many different world philosophies. generosity of character or by an
appearance and manner suggesting
phrenic phylum these qualities.
adj n Matilda wishes that her principal
/ Sfrenik / / SfIlEm / were more like the Pickwickian
Gk Gk > L headmaster of Tom’s school.
of or relating to the mind. one of the usually primary
Julia was more concerned with her divisions of the animal kingdom. picnic
son’s phrenic development than Insects belong to the phylum
with his physical skills. Arthropoda. picotee

phrenicectomy physical picry

phrontistery physiology pictograph
n
/ SfrBntETsterG / phytopathogen picudo
Gk n n
a place for thinking or study. / TfIZ(T)PSpathEjDn / / pDSkV(T)dP /
On warm spring afternoons the Gk + Gk + Gk AmerSp
backyard gazebo was an organism parasitic on a plant a boll weevil.
Grandfather’s favorite host. After the picudo ravaged cotton
phrontistery. Biochemists have developed crops in 1916, many cotton farmers
antibiotic compounds to eradicate diversified and raised peanut
Phrygian the bacterial phytopathogen. crops.
adj
/ SfrijGEn /
Gk geog name
of, relating to, or characteristic of
the ancient country of Phrygia.
In Rome the Phrygian cap was
worn by emancipated slaves as a
symbol of their freedom.

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piebald pigeonwing pimpernel
adj n
/ SpITbOld / pigment / SpimpErTnel /
L>F>E+E L > E name
spotted or blotched with black and pigmentation a common herb having scarlet,
white. white, or purplish flowers that close
Young blue herons acquiring adult pigpen at the approach of rainy or cloudy
plumage have a piebald weather.
appearance. pigsty One variety of pimpernel is also
known as “poor man’s
pied pilcrow weatherglass.”
adj pinched
/ SpId / pileum
L>F>E n pincushion
variegated; also : wearing or having / SpIlGEm /
a parti-colored coat. L pincushions
Jenna’s favorite story is about the the top of the head of a bird from n pl
pied piper who took revenge when the bill to the nape. / SpinTkUshEnz /
the townspeople failed to pay him The woodpecker’s pileum was a E+L>F>E
for ridding their town of rats. brilliant red crest and looked to be small cushions in which pins may
two inches high. be stuck ready for use.
piedmont Kathryn has several pincushions in
adj pilfer her sewing cabinet.
/ SpGdTmBnt /
It geog name pilfery pinkeye
lying or formed at the base of
mountains. pilgrim pinnate
Alma thinks that North Carolina’s adj
piedmont region is heaven on pillage / SpiTnCt /
Earth. v L
/ Spilij / resembling a feather especially in
pierced L>F>E having similar parts arranged on
strip of valuables : loot. opposite sides of an axis like the
Pierian After the battle, opportunists came barbs on the spine of a feather.
adj from outside the city to pillage its The chick-pea plant bears pinnate
/ pISirGEn / neighborhoods. leaves.
Gk geog name
of or relating to learning or poetry. pilosity pinyin
Once a month the local Pierian n
society sponsors a poetry reading. pilot / SpinTyin /
n Chinese
pierrot / SpIlEt / a system for romanizing Chinese
n Gk > It > F ideograms in which tones are
/ SpGETrP / one who flies or is qualified to fly indicated by diacritics and
F name an airplane. unaspirated consonants are
a standard comic character of old Hugh is the pilot of a huge transcribed as voiced.
French pantomime usually with a transport plane. Our newspapers adopted pinyin for
whitened face and loose white spelling the names of Chinese
clothes. pilpul officials.
Hanna studied the painting of the
pierrot to get an idea for her pipable
pantomime costume.
piping
piezometer
pipit
piffling
piquant
pigeonhole
pique

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

piquette pithecan plagiarist
adj
pirarucu / pDSthGkEn / plague
Gk n
Pisces of, relating to, or resembling apes, / SplCg /
n especially the anthropoid apes. L>F>E
/ SpI(T)sGz / The unearthed skull exhibited many [Note: The definition provided is
L pithecan characteristics. not the one most commonly
the 12th sign of the zodiac. associated with this word.] a
Pisces falls between Aquarius and pithos destructively numerous influx or
Aries. multiplication of a noxious animal.
pitiful Although only a foolish optimist
piscivorous could deny the dark realities of our
pitiless country in 1941, we were stricken
pisco adj by no plague of locusts.
/ SpiZGlDs /
pisiform E plaguing
adj devoid of or unmoved by
/ SpIsETfOrm / compassion. plaid
L The pitiless tornado bore onward,
resembling a pea in size or shape. ripping up everything in its path. plaidoyer
Johan purchased three cubic yards
of pisiform gravel for his new placards plainsong
driveway. n pl n
/ SplaTkBrdz / / SplCnTsON /
pistil F>E L>F>E+E
n posters, signs. the ancient nonmetrical
/ SpistFl / The demonstrators carried monophonic chant of the church
L placards protesting the use of service.
[has homonym: pistol] the ovule- animals for pharmaceutical testing. The psalm was chanted in
bearing organ of a seed plant. plainsong.
The lily has but one pistil; the placate
daffodil has several. v plainspoken
/ SplCTkCt /
pistilloid L plaintful
soothe or mollify especially by adj
pitch making concessions : appease. / SplCntfEl /
v The labor relations team worked L>F>E
/ Spich / hard to placate the factory workers mournful.
E to avoid a strike. Plaintful over the loss of her pet
toss so as to cause to fall at or near rabbit, Jennifer decided not to get
a particular mark. placeholder another pet.
On warm summer evenings Dad
likes to pitch horseshoes in the placement plaintive
backyard.
placid plaintively
pitchblende adv
n placidly / SplCntDvlG /
/ SpichTblend / adv F>E
G / SplasDdlG / in a manner expressive of grief or
a brown to black mineral that has a L sadness.
distinctive luster, contains radium, calmly, serenely. Three-year-old Jamie asked
and is the chief ore-mineral source The once-violent river now flows plaintively for his lost teddy bear.
of uranium. placidly along.
A German chemist discovered planeload
uranium in pitchblende in 1789. plafond

pitchfork plage

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

plangency plasma platitudinal
n n adj
/ SplanjEnsG / / SplazmE / / TplaZEStVd(F)nEl /
L Gk > L > G F
an expressive especially plaintive an ionized gas (as in the having the characteristics of a
quality. atmosphere of stars) containing thought or remark that is stale, dull,
Regret and grief were expressed in about equal numbers of positive trite, or weak.
the plangency of the singer’s voice. ions and electrons and differing The old pastor’s homilies were
from an ordinary gas in being a usually portentously platitudinal.
plangent good conductor of electricity and in
being affected by a magnetic field. platitudinize
plangorous “The thing that looks like a blue v
donut on your handout is an / TplaZEStVdFnTIz /
planish illustration of how magnetic rings F + Lcf > Fcf + Ecff
are used in confinement of utter remarks that are flat, dull,
plantain plasma,” said Professor Rooki. trite, or weak.
n The politician’s tendency to
/ SplantFn / plastron platitudinize belies the fact that he
L>F>E has innovative ideas.
the starchy fruit of the plantain tree plateau
that is distinguished from the n Platonic
ordinary banana by its angular / plaStP / adj
shape and green color. F / plEStBnik /
Fried chips of plantain are a land area having a relatively level Gk name
common snack in the Caribbean. surface raised sharply above being in accordance with or in the
adjacent land on at least one side. manner of the Greek philosopher
plantigrade The Columbia lava plateau is Plato and his works.
adj located in eastern Washington and Iris Murdoch has written modern
/ SplantETgrCd / Oregon. Platonic dialogues.
L
walking on the sole with the heel platform platoon
touching the ground. n
Most primates are not plantigrade. / SplatTfOrm / platycrania
F
plaquette a shoe having a usually thick layer platypodia
n (as of cork or wood) between the n
/ plaSket / inner sole and outer sole. / TplaZGSpPdGE /
D>F In the ’70s, the platform was the Gk
a metal stamping die that is cut in shoe associated with bell-bottoms flat-footedness.
relief and used to decorate the sides and long skirts. Platypodia no longer disqualifies
of leather bookbindings. an applicant from joining the army.
Lars was required to make his own platina
plaquette to earn a merit badge for adj platysma
bookbinding. / plEStGnE / n
Sp / plEStizmE /
of the color platinum—used Gk > L
especially of pale bluish gray furs. a broad thin layer of muscle on
The platina fur coat was the most each side of the neck.
expensive garment in the store. Cory’s training for his massage
therapy license included learning
platitude the names of the muscles of the
neck and back, including the
platysma, the trapezius, and the
intracostal.

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

plausibility plumbery plutonium
n n
/ TplOzESbilEZG / / SplEmErG / pluviosity
L L n
the quality or state of being the business or work of one who / TplVvGSBsEZG /
superficially worthy of belief. installs, repairs, and maintains L
Half-truths, because of their piping, fittings, and fixtures the quality of being marked by or
plausibility, are frequently more involved in the distribution and use regularly receiving heavy rainfall.
dangerous than outright lies. of water in a building. High pluviosity is a characteristic
While Paul was in vocational of most places along the equator.
plausibly school, he demonstrated a strong
aptitude for plumbery. plywood
pleasurable
plummeted pneumectomy
plebeian v n
/ SplEmDZDd / / n(y)VSmektEmG /
plebiscitary L>F>E Gk
dropped sharply and abruptly. the surgical removal of lung tissue.
plebiscite The San Francisco street The surgeon happily announced
plummeted down toward the bay. that the pneumectomy was
plectrum completely successful.
plumose
pledge adj pneumococci
/ SplVTmPs / n pl
pleiotropic L / Tn(y)VmESkBTkI /
adj having feathers or plumes : Gk + Gk
/ TplIEStrBpik / feathered. bacteria that cause acute
Gk + Gk Emily’s plumose mask was a hit at pneumonia involving one or more
producing more than one effect— the Mardi Gras party. lobes of the lung.
used of a gene. Penicillin-resistant pneumococci
The subject of David’s research is plunder are also usually resistant to
a pleiotropic gene that induces erythromycin and tetracycline.
shortening of the ear and reduces plunderbund
general body size in the mouse. n pneumococcus
/ SplEndE(r)TbUnd /
plenipotent G+G pneumonia
a league of commercial, political,
pleodont or financial interests that exploits pneumonic
the public. adj
pleuropneumonia Some people think the Internet has / n(y)VSmBnik /
n become nothing more than a Gk
/ TplUrPn(y)VSmPnyE / glorified plunderbund. of or relating to the lungs.
Gk Pneumonic diseases like asthma
inflammation of the lungs and their plundered and bronchitis are more prevalent
membranous sacs. in heavily polluted areas.
Parasitic microorganisms can pluperfect
cause pleuropneumonia in sheep pneumothorax
and goats. pluricellular n
/ Tn(y)VmPSthPrTaks /
pliable plutocratic Gk
adj a state in which air or other gas is
plicatile / TplVZESkraZik / present in the pleural cavity.
Gk The paramedic acted quickly to
plight of, relating to, or characterized by prevent a potentially debilitating
rule or dominion of wealth or of the pneumothorax in the accident
plotless rich. victim.
The suburb had clean air, good
ploy schools, and a plutocratic city
government.

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

pochette pointe politely
n n
/ pPSshet / / SpwBMt / political
F L>F
kit : handbag. the extreme tip of the toe. politician
Tanya carried her money and keys The teacher told the students to
in a small silk pochette that stand on pointe while she evaluated politicization
matched her evening dress. their form.
politicize
pochismo poises
n n pl politico
/ pPSchGz(T)mP / / SpwBzDz /
Sp F name politics
a term of U.S. origin borrowed into centimeter-gram-second absolute
Mexican Spanish. units of viscosity, each equal to 1 poll
Juan believes that not a single dyne-second per square centimeter.
pochismo adds to the beauty of the After melting and conditioning, pollards
Spanish language. glass is delivered to a forming n pl
machine in a manageable shape at / SpBlE(r)dz /
pocketbook a viscosity of approximately 10,000 G>E
poises. trees that have been cut back to the
pocketing trunk to promote the growth of a
poison dense head of foliage.
pockmark Emma’s frequent walks along
pokal Vicarage Lane soon acquainted her
podagra with the hedges, gates, pools, and
n polarimeter pollards of that part of Highbury.
/ pESdagrE / n
Gk / TpPlESrimEZE(r) / polling
a painful condition of the big toe L + Gk adj
caused by gout. an instrument for determining the / SpPliN /
George’s podiatrist recommended amount of polarization of light. E
changes in his diet to relieve his Cagney required a very accurate of or relating to the registering or
podagra before resorting to polarimeter for his experiments. casting of votes.
medication. Harry got off work early to vote on
polariscopic polling day.
podium
polarizable polychotomous
pogamoggan
pole polycyclic
pogonotomy
policeman polygrapher
pogrom n
policy / pESligrEfEr /
poi Gk
poliorcetics one skilled in the use of an
poignancy instrument for making a graphic
polished record of the changes in blood
poimenics v pressure and pulse and respiration
n pl / SpBlisht / rate of someone being questioned
/ pOiSmeniks / L>F>E under or as if under suspicion of
Gk made smooth and glossy by a guilt.
the study or application of pastoral mechanical process usually by The law holds that the opinions of a
theology. friction. polygrapher regarding the veracity
Rather than compete with The wizard polished a small object of a person are not admissible
traditional theology programs, the vigorously on his robe. evidence.
university has started a graduate
program in poimenics. polissoir

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polymer polysyndeton poncelet
n n n
/ SpBlDmE(r) / / TpBlGSsindETtBn / / SpBn(t)slDt /
Gk Gk F name
a natural or synthetic chemical repetition of conjunctions in close a unit of power in physics equal to
compound or mixture of succession. the amount of power obtained from
compounds consisting essentially “We have our passports and our an output of 100 kilogram-meters
of repeating structural units. money and our tickets and our per second.
Fascinated by the polymer they had luggage, and the tank is full of Kristin’s advanced physics class
created, the students tossed it from gas,” said Mother Gazda in spent an entire week learning about
one side of the lab to the other. unconscious polysyndeton. units of measurement such as the
poncelet, the rankine, and the barn.
polymerize polyvinyl
poncho
polyonymous pomeridian
adj ponderal
polypropylene / TpPmESridGEn /
n L ponderance
/ TpBlGSprPpETlGn / blossoming after noon.
Gk + ISV A common pomeridian garden ponderosity
a polymer of propylene; especially plant is the four-o’clock that
: such a polymer used chiefly in blossoms late in the afternoon. ponderously
making fibers, films, and molded adv
and extruded products. pomiferous / SpBnd(E)rEslG /
Much of today’s indoor-outdoor L > F > E + Ecf
carpeting is made of woven pompeii in an oppressively heavy manner.
polypropylene. n A statue of Zeus sits ponderously
/ pBmSpC / atop the small pavilion.
polyptych It geog name
n a moderate to deep reddish brown. ponerology
/ SpBlDpTtik / Nancy’s favorite earth tone is n
Gk pompeii. / TpBnESrBlEjG /
an arrangement of four or more Gk
panels (as of a painting) usually pomposity a branch of theology dealing with
hinged and folding together. n the doctrine of evil.
Pauline used an antique polyptych / pBmSpBsEZG / Ponerology still made a lot of sense
as a room divider. L to Damian despite everything he
a self-important demeanor, speech, had been taught about genetics and
polystyrene or action. the influence of environment.
n Though he had much power, the
/ TpBlGSstITrGn / leader exhibited no trace of ponor
Gk pomposity. n
a rigid transparent thermoplastic / SpPTnO(E)r /
that has good physical and ponceau Serbo-Croatian
electrical insulating properties and n a steep-sided sinkhole.
is used chiefly in making / pBnSsP / Ms. Ventura cautioned the Scouts
containers and other molded L>F to avoid the ponor at the edge of
products and sheet materials. a strong red to reddish orange. the old quarry.
Some restaurants have stopped The artificial poppies worn on
using polystyrene cups because Veterans’ Day are of the distinct pontal
they are not biodegradable. color ponceau.
pontifical

pontoon

poolroom

popinjay

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

poplar posit potency
adj
popular positron / SpPtFnsG /
L
populate post force, power, authority.
n Massed action and individual effort
population / SpPst / each has its own potency.
E
pore [has near homonym: posed] a potentiality
piece of timber or other solid
poroscopy substance (as metal) fixed or potentially
intended to be fixed firmly in an adv
porous upright position especially as a stay / pEStenchElG /
or support. L + Ecf
porphyous The first step in constructing a in a possible state or condition :
fence is to dig a hole for each post. with a possibility or capacity of
portable becoming actual.
postmortem The rash on Henrietta’s arm could
portent n potentially spread if not treated.
n / pPs(t)SmOrtEm /
/ SpOrTtent / L+L potentiometer
L an examination of a body after
something that foreshadows a death to determine the cause of potiche
coming event : omen. death or the character and extent of
The seer viewed the blood-red changes produced by disease. potoroo
moon as a portent of evil. The postmortem revealed that the n
cause of death was asphyxiation. / TpPZESrV /
portfolio Australian name
n postnuptial any of various small Australian and
/ pPrtSfPlGTP / adj Tasmanian kangaroos that are no
L > It / pPstSnEpshEl / larger than a rabbit.
a flat portable case for carrying L The rabbit-sized potoroo forages at
papers or drawings. made or happening after marriage. night for grass, tubers, and
Mr. Barnstone set his portfolio The bride and groom posed for underground fungi, which it digs up
behind the door as he entered the postnuptial photographs. with its forepaws.
house.
postponable potsherd
portico
n postulancy pounce
/ SpPrZDkP / v
L > It potamologist / SpaUn(t)s /
a colonnade or covered walkway. n E
The pair entered the shaded portico / TpBZESmBlEjDst / suddenly seize, grab, attack.
for a private conversation. Gk Stanley watched the owl pounce on
a specialist in the study of rivers. the rat.
portion Fran, who knew many rivers like
the back of her hand, was a pour
portulaca potamologist.
n powdery
/ TpPrchESlakE / potash
L n power
any plant of a genus of mainly / SpBZTash /
tropical succulent herbs having D
usually yellow, pink, red, white, or potassium carbonate.
purple ephemeral flowers with four In colonial days potash was used to
to six petals. make soap.
A hanging pot by Linda’s front
door contained a portulaca with
yellow flowers.

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powwows prattle precipitate
n pl n v
/ SpaUTwaUz / / TpraZFl / / prGSsipETtCt /
Algonquian G L
meetings or conferences for trifling or empty talk or chatter. cause a substance to separate from
discussion : sessions. The endless prattle on the bus ride a solution in a concrete state as a
The team holds daily powwows annoyed Mr. Danton. result of a chemical or physical
before practice. change.
preaudit Calcium and magnesium ions in
practical hard water can precipitate calcium
precarious and magnesium carbonate, often a
practitioner problem in domestic water pipes.
precariously
pragmatic adv precipitated
adj / prGSka(a)rGEslG / v
/ pragSmaZik / L / prGSsipETtCZDd /
Gk > L in a manner characterized by a lack L
practical, matter-of-fact. of security or stability. caused to move or act very rapidly.
Edmund took a pragmatic stance Teddy balanced precariously on the The completion of the railroad
on most things in his life, especially chair as he attempted to extract the precipitated the demise of
his finances. last Oreo from the cookie jar. waterborne transport.

pragmatically precede precipitation
n
prairie precedes / (T)prGTsipEStCshEn /
n v L
/ SprerG / / prGSsGdz / a deposit on Earth of hail, mist,
L>F L rain, sleet, or snow; also : the
a meadow or tract of grassland. [has near homonym: proceeds] quantity of water deposited.
The prairie stretched out broad and goes before in order of time : Low-pressure areas normally bring
flat to the horizon in every occurs before with relation to clouds and precipitation.
direction. something.
A certain stillness precedes a precise
prairillon tempest. adj
n / prGSsIs /
/ prCSrilyEn / precentor L>F
F devoid of anything vague,
a small meadow or tract of preceptor equivocal, or uncertain.
grassland. Mr. Rouse is quite precise about
Baron Munchausen’s ranch turned precession everything, and he has never been
out to be a two-room shack and a n known to joke with a student.
weed-covered prairillon. / prGSseshEn /
L preclude
praiss [has near homonym: procession] a v
comparatively slow gyration of the / TprGSklVd /
pralltriller rotation axis of a spinning body. L
Precession of Earth’s axis will prevent or hinder by necessary
prancer make Vega our North Star in about consequence or implication.
13,000 years. Being a movie star did not preclude
prankster Ronald Reagan from having a
precessional successful political career.
prase
preciosities
prate
precious

precipitancy

precipitant

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

preconditioned prehistory preposition
v n
/ TprGkEnSdishEnd / / prGShist(E)rG / prepossessing
L + L + Ecf Lcf + Gk adj
put in proper or desired condition an account comprising a / TprGpESzesiN /
in advance of some intended chronological record of the L
treatment. preceding circumstances of an tending to please or arouse
Before new wood is painted it event or situation. confidence : creating a favorable
should be preconditioned with a The prehistory of the tension impression.
primer. between the boss and his employees With her impeccable carriage and
includes some family issues. her prematurely white hair, Lydia
predecease was a prepossessing figure at the
prelapsarian political convention.
predicament adj
n / TprGTlapSsa(a)rGEn / preprandial
/ prGSdikEmEnt / L + Ecf adj
L characteristic of or belonging to the / prGSprandGEl /
a difficult, perplexing, or trying time before the fall of man. L
situation. The painting depicted Adam and of, relating to, or suitable for the
Miss Bates, though having much Eve in prelapsarian paradise. time immediately before dinner.
public favor, stood in the very Before the main course, Benito
worst predicament in the world: prelude served a preprandial soup.
She was neither young, handsome, n
rich, nor married. / SprCTlVd / prerequisite
L n
preemptive a musical section or movement / prGSrekwEzDt /
adj introducing the theme or chief L
/ prGSem(p)tiv / subject. something that is mandatory
L Tycho arrived at the concert after beforehand.
being or related to a first military the prelude was over. A Juris Doctor degree is a
strike made to gain an advantage prerequisite for the practice of law.
when a strike by the enemy is premature
believed imminent. presbyopia
The ability to launch a preemptive prematurely
strike against a possible aggressor adv Presbyterian
is a major factor in the theory of / TprGmEStU(E)rlG / adj
nuclear deterrence. L + Ecf / TprezbEStirGEn /
before the proper time : too soon. Gk
preemptory Not wanting to tire prematurely, of, relating to, or constituting a
the rowing crew began the race by Protestant church that is governed
prefabricate pulling easily. by a graded system of
representative ecclesiastical bodies
prefabrication prenuptial and is traditionally Calvinistic in
doctrine.
preface prepaid While in college, William grew
interested in becoming a
preferred preparate Presbyterian minister.

prehensility preparations prescribe
n pl prescriptive
/ TprepESrCshEnz /
L

actions or processes of making
something ready for use or service.

Tina’s preparations for the party

included decorating the room and
baking the cookies.

preponderance

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

preserve prevocalic priscan
v adj
/ prGSzErv / prey / SpriskEn /
L v L + Ecf
/ SprC /
can, pickle, or similarly prepare (as L>F>E dealing with or existing in ancient
make raids for the sake of booty.
fruits or vegetables) for future use. Pirates prey on the coastal times.
Beverly hurried to preserve her shipping off Somalia’s coast. Professor McCowan is an expert

bumper crop of peaches before they on druidism and other priscan

became overripe. religions of Britain.

pressurization prickle prism
n
prestigious priggish / SprizEm /
Gk > L
presumptuous primacy a transparent body that is bounded
in part by two nonparallel plane
presylvian primatial faces and is used to refract or
disperse a beam of light.
pretender primatologist The prism cast an array of colors
n on the tablecloth.
preterient / TprImEStBlEjDst /
L + Gk prisoner
preterlabent a specialist in the study of members n
adj of the order Primates especially / Spriz(F)nE(r) /
/ TprGZE(r)SlCbEnt / other than recent humans. L>F>E
L Jane Goodall’s many years of a person held under arrest or in
flowing beside or by. studying chimpanzees has made her prison.
Mr. Ross pumped water from a the world’s most famous For good behavior at the
preterlabent stream to irrigate his primatologist. penitentiary, the prisoner was
vegetable garden. released after serving one-third of
primero his sentence.
prettier
primeval privet
pretzel n
n primogeniture / SprivDt /
/ SpretsEl / n unknown
L>G / TprImPSjenETchU(E)r / an ornamental Eurasian and
a glazed usually salted bakery L northern African shrub that is used
product made of a rope of dough the state of being the firstborn of extensively for hedges and has
typically twisted into a form the children of the same parents. half-evergreen leaves and small
resembling the letter B. In British law, male primogeniture white flowers.
Brian munched on a large pretzel is used to determine inheritance of Oliver planted privet along the
as he watched his favorite real estate and titles. edge of his front yard.
television program.
princely privileged
prevail
v principle
/ prGSvCl /
L prionodont
be or become effective or effectual
: be successful. priority
The attorney was confident that
justice would prevail in the case. priory

prevailing

prevaricator

previous

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

privileges proclaim profligate
n pl adj
/ Spriv(E)lijDz / procrastination / SprBflDgDt /
L L
various fundamental rights procrypsis completely given up to wild
considered as peculiarly guaranteed extravagance or excess.
and secured to all persons (as the prodigy Lord Kensington’s profligate
enjoyment of life and liberty and spending was the reason for the
the right to pursue happiness). prodromal meeting with his banker.
Patrick Henry was convinced that adj
the colonists must fight if they / prPSdrPmEl / progenitors
wished to preserve inviolate the Gk n pl
privileges for which they had been precursory; especially : of, relating / prPSjenEZE(r)z /
contending. to, or marked by warning L
symptoms of a disease. ancestors in the direct line :
privy Half of the people who have heart forefathers.
adj attacks have had prodromal The land had been in the hands of
/ SprivG / symptoms ranging from nausea and Mr. Williamson and his progenitors
L>F>E dizziness to chest pressure. for several generations.
privately aware as one participating
secretly. production prohibit
Although she was not privy to their
secrets, Alice could guess what her profert projectile
sisters were up to. n
professional / prESjektFl /
probability L
professor a self-propelling weapon (as a
probation rocket, torpedo, or guided missile).
n professorial The sensing device will detect any
/ prPSbCshEn / adj projectile larger than a football.
L / TprPfESsPrGEl /
the action of suspending the L projicient
sentence of a convicted offender didactic, learned.
and giving the offender freedom The eminently professorial volume prolepsis
during good behavior under the on verb tenses in English was n
supervision of a probation officer. impractical for those learning / prPSlepsDs /
Because of the extenuating English as a foreign language. Gk
circumstances, the judge decided a figure in which a matter is set
on probation instead of a prison proffer forth in summary before being
sentence. stated in detail.
proficient Putnam begins with a prolepsis, but
probationer adj that does nothing to ruin the
/ prESfishEnt / suspense as the plot unfolds.
probity L
n [has near homonym: perficient] proliferate
/ SprPbEZG / well advanced in an art, v
L occupation, skill, or a branch of / prPSlifETrCt /
uprightness, rectitude. knowledge. L>F
Mr. C. Z. Armand is a man of Many educators feel that it is grow by rapid or repeated
indisputable probity. imperative for grade school production of new parts or of buds
children to become proficient in or offspring.
procacious more than one language. Blackberry vines will proliferate
very quickly if they are not cut
procacity profile back.

procathedral

processus

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

prolocutor pronouncement propylene
n n n
/ prPSlBkyEZE(r) / / prESnaUn(t)smEnt / / SprPpETlGn /
L L>F>E Gk > ISV
one who speaks, pleads, or a usually formal declaration of a flammable gaseous hydrocarbon
interprets for another. opinion or judgment. obtained by cracking petroleum
The prolocutor for the department The whole town anxiously awaited hydrocarbons and used chiefly in
of public works explained that the Judge Milburn’s pronouncement. organic synthesis.
bridge would be under repair for Propylene is an important
the next several weeks. propellable constituent of automobile
antifreeze.
prolong prophecy
prorate
Promethean prophesy
adj prosaic
/ prESmGthGEn / prophet
Gk > L n proscription
daringly original. / SprBfDt / n
Daryl’s success as an inventor is Gk / prPSskripshEn /
largely the result of his [has homonym: profit] one who L
Promethean approach to problem speaks for God or a deity : a an imposed restraint or restriction :
solving. divinely inspired revealer, prohibition.
interpreter, or spokesperson. Judith’s consulting contract
promising Abraham is considered a great includes a six-month proscription
prophet by several different against working for a competing
promissory religions. firm.

promotion propitiatory prosecutor
n
prompter propound / SprBsDTkVZE(r) /
n L
/ SprBmT(p)tE(r) / proprietary an attorney who conducts
L>E proceedings especially of a
one who reminds another of the proprieties criminal nature in a court on behalf
words to be spoken next; n pl of the government.
specifically : one responsible for / prESprIEZGz / The prosecutor asked the judge for
reminding actors during L>F>E permission to approach the bench.
performance. the customs and manners of polite
The prompter was surprised that society : conventionally correct proselytize
none of the actors required a cue behavior.
during the performance. Not one to bother with proprieties, proselytizer
Luke is considered by most people
prone to be downright rude. prosopography
adj
/ SprPn / propriety prosperous
L>E
having the face, chest, or abdomen proprioceptive prostaglandin
turned toward the ground, floor, or adj n
other supporting surface. / TprPprGESseptiv / / TprBstESglandDn /
The paramedics turned the prone L+L L > E + L > E + Ecf
victim over so that they could activated by, relating to, or being any of various oxygenated
administer CPR. stimuli produced within the unsaturated cyclic fatty acids of
organism. animals that perform a variety of
pronoun Daniel’s study tested whether hormonelike actions (as in
blindfolded subjects could use controlling blood pressure or
proprioceptive feedback to move smooth muscle contraction).
one arm a prescribed distance. All aspirinlike analgesics inhibit
synthesis and release of
prostaglandin.

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

prosthesis proven psammite
n
/ prBsSthGsDs / provender psammon
Gk
an artificial device to replace a provenience psammophile
missing part of the body.
After losing his right foot in an providence pschent
accident, Stan had to learn to walk n
again with a prosthesis. providential / S(p)skent /
adj Egypt > Gk
prostrate / TprBvESdenchEl / the headdress of the later Egyptian
adj L pharaohs formed of the two crowns
/ SprBTstrCt / of, relating to, or determined by worn by the respective pharaohs of
L divine guidance. Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt
extended in a horizontal position. Arthur’s arrival in the nick of time before the union of the country
Jeremy lay prostrate on the dock seemed providential. under one rule.
and watched the fishes in the water. The pharaoh’s statue stood 66 feet
providing high from the feet to the pschent
prostration covering his head.
n province
/ prBSstrCshEn / psephology
L provolone n
complete physical or mental / sGSfBlEjG /
exhaustion. prowl Gk
When Chris came down with the v the scientific study of elections.
flu, she suffered from chills, fever, / SpraUl / The pollster claims that prudent
and prostration. E psephology indicates that Liberals
move about or wander stealthily in may lose a few seats in the next
protégé the manner of a wild beast seeking election.
prey.
Proterozoic Captain Andrews and his pseudodoxy
adj submariners were ordered to prowl n
/ TprBZErESzPik / the North Atlantic. / SsVdPTdBksG /
Gk Gk
of or relating to a division of prudence an erroneous belief; also : the
geological time from the beginning holding of erroneous beliefs.
of the Huronian to the close of the prudently The pseudodoxy that walking under
Keweenawan. adv a ladder will bring bad luck is still
Annelid worms and blue-green and / SprVdFntlG / held by many reasonable people.
brown algae lived during the L>F>E
Proterozoic era. in a wise or judicious manner. pseudonym
Hakim prudently put suntan lotion
protervity on his ears. pseudonymity
n
proton pruner / TsVdFnSimEZG /
Gk + Ecf
protoplasm pruritus the fact or state of being signed (as
n n a book or other writing) with a
/ SprPZETplazEm / / prUSrIZEs / fictitious name.
(Gk + Gk) > G L To avoid becoming a celebrity,
organized living matter : the more localized or generalized itching due Professor Stanton hid his science-
or less fluid colloidal complex to irritation of sensory nerve fiction writings under the cloak of
making up each cell. endings. pseudonymity.
Under a microscope protoplasm Alice applied an ointment on the
exhibits a variety of appearances. rash to relieve the pruritus.

protostar psalmist

protractor psalterer

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

pseudoptics pteric pulchritudinous
n pl adj adj
/ sVdSBptiks / / Sterik / / SpElkrETtVdFnEs /
Gk + Gk Gk L

the study of optical illusions. resembling a wing. beautiful.

The aspiring magician was very Hundreds of pteric maple seeds The hallway in the Fall Creek
much interested in the field of were wafting through the air in Theatre is lined with posters of

pseudoptics. George’s backyard. pulchritudinous movie stars.

pseudosyllogism Ptolemaic pulka
adj n
psittacism / TtBlESmCik / / SpElkE /
n Gk Finn&Lapp
/ SsiZETsizEm / of or relating to Ptolemy, the a one-person Lapp sledge shaped
Gk > L geographer and astronomer. like half a canoe and resting on a
automatic speech without thought Galileo got into big trouble by broad board or several runners.
of the meaning of the words challenging the Ptolemaic view of Timmy tried in vain to harness the
spoken. the universe. St. Bernard to the pulka.
Daniela was alarmed that her
pledge of allegiance to the flag had ptyalin pulley
become mere psittacism. n
/ StIElDn / pullulation
psittacosis Gk > ISV
n an enzyme found in the saliva of pulpiteering
/ TsiZESkPsDs / many animals including humans
Gk > L but not in that of horses, dogs, or pulpitry
an infectious disease of birds that is cats. n
transmissible to man. Ptyalin helps in the digestion of / SpUlTpitrG /
Vincent’s doctor has had him under starches. L
observation since his macaw was preaching.
diagnosed with psittacosis. publicist Jack is reading a book on the art of
n pulpitry.
psychagogy / SpEblEsDst /
L>F pulque
psychalgia an agent employed by an
individual, organization, or group pulsate
psychoanalysis to establish and maintain good
public relations. pulsebeat
psychology The author of the tell-all book once
worked as a publicist for several pulverized
psychotogenic rock stars. v
/ SpElvETrIzd /
psyllium puccoon L>F
n destroyed by or as if by smashing
/ SsilGEm / pueblo into fragments : disintegrated,
Gk n demolished.
[has homonym: cilium] an Old / Spwe(T)blP / The nightly news began with
World plantain having seeds that L > Sp footage of beach homes pulverized
swell and become gelatinous when a type of town founded by Mexican by Hurricane Fran.
moist and that are used as a mild Spanish settlers in the southwestern
laxative. United States. pumicite
When a laxative is needed, health Sadly, the ancient pueblo has been n
professionals recommend products abandoned by residents who have / SpEmETsIt /
that contain psyllium, a natural chosen to move to larger cities. L
fiber. a type of volcanic dust used for
puffin abrasive purposes.
The instructions recommended
pugnacity using pumicite to smooth the metal.

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

puzzle Pythagorean qualmish
v adj
/ SpEzEl / / pDTthagESrGEn / quantal
unknown Gk name
bewilder mentally. of or relating to the Greek quantimeter
Mark told Mary to stop trying to philosopher Pythagorus or his
puzzle his sad brains. philosophy. quantitate
The Pythagorean theorem states
pyelitis that in a right triangle, the square quarterback
of the hypotenuse is equal to the n
pyramidoidal sum of the squares of the other two / SkwOrZErTbak /
sides. L>F>E+E
pyrexia a backfield player in football who
n Pythian usually lines up behind the center,
/ pISreksGE / n calls the signals, and directs the
Gk / SpithGEn / offensive play of his team.
elevation of body temperature to an Gk The Denver Broncos quarterback
abnormal level : fever. of or relating to the ancient Greek John Elway led his team to a Super
The veterinarian was concerned god Apollo especially as patron Bowl championship in 1998.
about the dog’s pyrexia because it deity of Delphi.
could be an indication of The museum at Delphi contains quarterdeck
distemper. many Pythian statues from the
temple of Apollo. quarterly
pyrography
n pythonist quartile
/ pISrBgrEfG /
Gk quadragenary quartzite
the art or process of producing
designs or pictures by burning or quadratic quasquicentennial
scorching with hot instruments. n
Bone and ivory form good grounds quadrigamist / TkwBskwGTsenStenGEl /
for fine pyrography. L
quadrillion a 125th anniversary.
pyrolatry The city of Corner Brook, founded
quadroon in 1873, is hosting a large
pyrometer celebration for its
n quadrumana quasquicentennial this summer.
/ pISrBmEZE(r) /
Gk quadrumvirate quattrocento
an instrument for measuring n
temperatures. quadruped / TkwBtrPSchen(T)tP /
The pyrometer is often used to adj L > It
measure temperatures beyond the / SkwBdrETped / the 15th century; specifically : the
range of a mercurial thermometer. L 15th-century period in Italian
having four feet : using four limbs literature and art.
pyrophile when walking. Lorenzo De Medici was one of the
n Sally’s apartment lease restricts the chief supporters of Italian art
/ SpIrPTfIl / weight of any quadruped pets. during the quattrocento.
Gk + Gk
one who is enthusiastic over fire or quaff quaver
fireworks.
Being a pyrophile, Brian eagerly quaffingly
awaited the Fourth of July
fireworks display. quaintness

quake

qualify

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

quavers quiescently quixote
n pl adv n
/ SkwCvE(r)z / / kwISesFntlG / / SkwikTsPt /
E L Sp name
tremulous uncertainties of tone (as in a manner marked by inactivity or an idealistic and utterly impractical
in the voice due to emotion). repose. person marked by rash lofty
The quavers in Leslie’s voice The virus insinuates itself into romantic ideas or chivalrous action
increased as she related the selected cells, where it may reside doomed to fail.
accident. quiescently for prolonged periods Because of his grandiose but
of time. unrealistic plan to eliminate
quavery poverty, the dictator has been
quiet called a “quixote.”
quayage quixotically
quila
queensware n quixotism
/ SkGlE /
quemadero Araucan > Sp quiz
a grass of the southern part of
querencia South America that resembles quizmaster
bamboo, is used as forage, and has
querist a fiber used in making paper. quoddy
Josefina knows how to make paper n
quesadilla from quila. / SkwBdG /
n American geog name
/ TkCsESdGyE / quilt an open sloop-rigged sailboat once
L > Sp used especially for fishing along
a turnover made usually with a quince the Maine coast.
cheese filling. Julia runs a business in Bar
Joyce usually eats a quesadilla as quindene Harbor, taking tourists fishing in
an afternoon snack. her quoddy.
quinquevir
questionable n quoit
/ SkwinkwETvi(E)r /
queued L rabanna
one of a commission, council, or n
quiaquia ruling body of five (as in ancient / rESbanE /
n Rome). Malagasy
/ SkGETkGE / When Karen was a quinquevir of a coarse matting handwoven from
Sp her school’s Student Council, she raffia fibers in Madagascar.
a small fusiform carangid fish of learned firsthand that too many The village woman sat on a mat of
the western Atlantic related to and cooks can spoil the stew. rabanna and watched the children
often included among the mackerel playing.
scads. quintal
The quiaquia is a food fish n rabbinical
frequently caught in the Caribbean. / SkwintFl /
Ar > L > F > E rabble
quibbling a metric unit equal to 100
kilograms. rabboni
quicksand It always makes Fred feel better to
say that he weighs only 1 quintal. rabies
quicksilver
quintuplet racetrack
quiddities
rachitogenic

racial

rackettail

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

radiation ragwort ramentum
n
radiator / SragTwO(E)rt / ramify
E
radically any of several herbs with heads rampart
composed of flowers. n
radicicolous Ragwort can grow in very poor / SramTpBrt /
soil. L > Prov > F
radiesthesia a broad embankment raised as a
railbed fortification.
radiogoniometer With the army in retreat, the
rainbow invaders surged over the rampart
radiology adj and into the village.
/ SrCnTbP /
radiometer E ramuscule
n having the colors of the spectrum.
/ TrCdGSBmEZE(r) / The chorus wore glittering robes ranche
L + Gk and shiny, rainbow wings for the
an instrument for detecting and Christmas pageant. randomize
measuring the intensity of
electromagnetic or acoustic rainspout ranine
radiation. adj
The Crookes radiometer in the rainstorm / SrCTnIn /
form of a rotating toy survives in n L
jewelers’ windows as a supposed / SrCnTstO(E)rm / of or relating to frogs.
perpetual motion device. E+E The ceaseless ranine chirping from
a storm of or with rain. the pond kept Marcus awake all
radiosonde The sudden rainstorm caused night.
n flooding at many of the city’s
/ SrCdGPTsBnd / intersections. ranunculus
L+L>F>E n
a miniature radio transmitter that is rainy / rESnENkyElEs /
carried aloft (as by an unmanned adj L
balloon) with instruments for / SrCnG / any plant of a large and widely
broadcasting the humidity, E distributed genus of herbs that have
temperature, and pressure. wet, showery. simple or variously lobed leaves
The National Weather Service uses After a long dry spell, the rainy and mostly yellow flowers.
thin neoprene balloons to raise the weather was welcomed by Patsy planted a ranunculus in a pot
radiosonde to great heights. everyone. beside the kitchen door.

radish raisin rapacity
radome n
radon raj / rESpasEZG /
radzimir L
raffle rale the quality or state of being
rafter urgently eager for food.
raggedy rallentando Despite his rapacity, the freed
prisoner limited his food intake so
rambunctiously as not to endanger his life.
adv
/ ramSbEN(k)shEsTlG / rapidity
L? > E
in an excessively exuberant rappee
manner.
The children were warned that if rappel
they behaved rambunctiously in the
restaurant, they would not be
allowed to have dessert.

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

rarefaction rationalize reagent
n v n
/ Tra(a)rESfakshEn / / SrashEnFlTIz / / rGSCjEnt /
L L>E L
the act or process of making rare, give an explanation of that a substance used for various
thin, porous, or less dense. conforms with reason. purposes (as in detecting,
The rarefaction of air can be Chauvinists try to rationalize racial examining, or measuring other
accomplished with a vacuum pump, prejudice. substances, in preparing material,
but it is very difficult to achieve a in developing photographs)
true vacuum. rattail because it takes part in one or more
chemical reactions or biological
rarefy rattletrap processes.
Stuart explained that the substance
rareripe raucity used up first in the experiment is
n called a “limiting reagent.”
rariora / SrOsEZG / realgar
n pl L
/ Tra(a)rGSPrE / the quality or state of being realia
L disagreeably harsh or strident.
unusual collectors’ items. Fed up with the raucity of urban reamer
The old man’s study contained a street life, the Hamiltons moved to
whimsical mixture of rariora. a quiet suburb. reassurance
n
rasbora raucously / rGESshUrEn(t)s /
L > Ecf + L > F > E
rascal raunchy the action of inspiring or tending to
n inspire confidence again.
/ SraskEl / raven The coach’s reassurance was all
F? > E adj the encouragement Debbie needed
a mean, unprincipled, or dishonest / SrCvEn / to feel confident.
person. E
The children cheered during the [has homonym: ravin] of the color Reaumur
movie when the rascal fell to his or sheen of the raven, a large adj
doom. glossy-black bird. / SrCPTmyU(E)r /
Callie’s little sister had her heart F name
rasher set on the doll with raven curls. relating or conforming to a
thermometric scale on which under
rasorite rawhide standard atmospheric pressure the
boiling point of water is at 80
raspingly razor degrees above the 0 of the scale
adv and the freezing point is at 0.
/ SraspiNlG / reactionary Cecelia converted Celsius degrees
F into Reaumur degrees by
in a grating harsh manner. readily multiplying by four and dividing by
“Don’t try me,” he said in a five.
raspingly mean voice. readjourn
v rebiddable
ratel / TrGESjErn /
n L>F>E reblochon
/ SrCZFl / put off further proceedings of
D > Afrikaans again. rebuff
any of several powerful nocturnal When the court reconvened at two
carnivorous mammals resembling o’clock, the defense attorney rebuke
the badger and having the pelt ashy immediately asked the judge if she
gray above and black beneath. would readjourn the trial until the recalcitration
The ratel uses its strong claws for next day.
breaking open beehives to get its recamier
favorite food, honey.

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

recant recommitment rectification
v n n
/ rDSkant / / TrGkESmitmEnt / / TrektEfDSkCshEn /
L L + Ecf L

withdraw or repudiate (a statement the act of pledging again to give the act or process of making or

or belief) formally and publicly. support to some policy or cause. setting right (as by correcting an
The witness decided to recant her The president urged a error or amending a fault).

testimony when she was shown the recommitment of the United Todd called the newspaper’s editor

photograph of the suspect at the Nations to the basic principles of to seek rectification of the
scene of the crime. human welfare. erroneous article.

recede recompensable rectifier
v n
/ rDSsGd / reconcilable / SrektETfI(E)r /
L L
move back or away. recoup a device for converting alternating
Buck watched the water recede as v current to direct current.
the tide went out. / rGSkVp / A vacuum tube can act as a
F rectifier in electronic machinery.
receivable compensate (as oneself) for
something (as expenses, losses). rectirostral
recency Dorene did not expect to recoup adj
her day-trading losses immediately. / TrektESrBstrEl /
reception L+L
recrement having a straight beak.
recession n Dowitchers are rectirostral shore
/ SrekrEmEnt / birds that feed in mud or shallow
recessional L water.
superfluous matter separated from
recessive that which is useful. rectitude
Slag is the recrement produced in n
reclamation smelting iron ore. / SrektETtVd /
L
reclusive recriminate strict observance of standards of
adj v integrity and honesty.
/ rDSklVsiv / / rDSkrimETnCt / Abraham Lincoln was renowned
L L for his moral rectitude.
marked by seclusion or retirement : make a counter accusation : charge
solitary. back a fault or crime against an rectitudinous
The reclusive movie star had not accuser.
given an interview for years, but Though she believed her accuser to recumbent
the media camped out in her be the guilty party, Chelsea refused adj
driveway nonetheless. to recriminate. / rDSkEmbEnt /
L
recollective recriminatory lying down.
adj Several sheep, recumbent in the
recommend / rDSkrimEnETtPrG / field, were roused and herded into
L their pen for the night.
recommended having the character or nature of a
v counter accusation. recumbentibus
/ TrekESmendDd / When charged with n
L insubordination, the soldier filed / TrekEmSbentDbEs /
advised, counseled. recriminatory charges against his L
The doctor recommended that commanding officer. a knockdown blow.
Robert get more sleep. The little old lady gave the purse
recruit snatcher a recumbentibus that
stunned witnesses and made her a
folk hero.

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

recuperation redowa referendum
n n n
/ rDTk(y)VTpESrCshEn / / SredEwE / / TrefESrendEm /
L Czech > F > F L
restoration to health or strength. either of two popular Bohemian a popular vote on a measure passed
The doctor told Ernesto that his ballroom dances of the 19th upon or proposed by a legislative
recuperation after the skiing century. body or by popular initiative.
accident would take about two To Erica’s complete surprise, A referendum in Clay County
months. Ronald danced the redowa very raised the minimum age for
skillfully. purchasing alcohol to 21.
recurs
v reduce referral
/ rDSkErz /
L redundant referred
happens or takes place again. adj
Nikki has made great progress in / rDSdEndEnt / reflect
stopping her nail biting, but it is a L v
problem that recurs now and then. exceeding what is necessary or / rDSflekt /
normal : superfluous. L
recyclable The newspaper article proved to be think quietly and calmly.
adj more redundant than informative, Jimmy took time to reflect on his
/ rGSsIk(E)lEbEl / stating the same facts in several life goals.
L + Gk + Lcf different ways.
capable of being processed in order reflector
to regain material for human use. reek
Each office in the building has its v reflorescence
own receptacle for recyclable / SrGk /
paper. E reflorescent
give off a strong, often offensive
redaction odor. refractor
n Antiperspirant ads create the n
/ rDSdakshEn / impression that the human body / rDSfraktE(r) /
L will reek with sweat if the L
an act or instance of putting into a advertised product is not used. a telescope in which the principal
different written form. focusing element is a lens that is
Cindy did not realize that the reeled usually an achromat with crown
musical was a redaction of an 18th- glass and flint glass components.
century novel. reenactment The world’s largest refractor has
n an aperture of 40 inches.
redeeming / rGDSnak(t)mEnt /
E refrain
redemption the process of performing again.
The evening performance featured refrigerate
redivivus a reenactment of the role the actor
had made famous. refringent
redolence
refectory refugee
redouble n
/ rDSfekt(E)rG / refugeeism
redound L
a dining hall in a monastery, refund
convent, or religious college.
Brother Neil returned to the
refectory for dinner.

refer

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

refurbish reify relinquished
v v v
/ rGSfErbish / / SrGETfI / / rDSliNwishd /
L > F > E + Gmc > F > E L L > F > E + Ecf
brighten or freshen up : renovate. regard an abstraction or mental let go of physically : stopped
Jeanne decided to refurbish her construction as a thing : convert holding : released.
bedroom with handmade curtains mentally into something concrete When the sled came to a stop,
and a new coat of paint. or objective. Bowser relinquished his hold on
Success in advanced mathematics Brian’s snow jacket.
refusal may depend on the ability to reify
abstract concepts. relinquishing
refute
v reign reliquiae
/ rDSfyVt / n pl
L reimbursable / rDSlikwETG /
overthrow by argument, evidence, adj L
or proof. / TrGDmSbErsEbEl / remains of the dead : organic
Try as he might, Richie could not L remains : relics.
refute his parents’ decision that he subject to repayment. Years after the war in Vietnam,
could not attend the party. Agatha’s medical insurance reliquiae are still being sent back
company did not consider a face- to the United States.
regaled lift a reimbursable expense.
reliquian
regelation reins
n pl reluctantly
regiminal / SrCnz / adv
L>F>E / rDSlEktEntlG /
regisseur [Note: The definition provided is L
n not the one most commonly unwillingly, grudgingly.
/ TrCzhGSsEr / associated with this word. In Elena reluctantly shared her candy
L>F addition, word has homonyms: bar with her little brother.
director : one that supervises the rains, reigns.] position of
production of a show with command. rem
responsibility for action, lighting, For some who have held the reins n
music, rehearsals, and generally for for so long, it is difficult to give up / Srem /
giving substance to the conception power. acronym
of the author. the dosage of any ionizing radiation
The regisseur met with the lighting rejoinder that will cause the same amount of
manager to discuss various ways of biological injury to human tissue as
using light to convey the mood of rejuvenescent 1 roentgen of X-ray or gamma-ray
the scene. dosage.
relative The rem takes into account the
register relative biologic effectiveness of
relaxed ionizing radiation.
registered
relentlessly remanence
registration adv
/ rDSlentlDslG / rembrandt
reglementary E n
in a mercilessly hard or harsh / SremTbrant /
regnant manner. D name
Frank relentlessly teased his sister. a dark grayish brown that is slightly
regressive less strong than average chocolate
relevant brown.
regular The color rembrandt is similar to
relieve the dark backgrounds of paintings
rehabilitant by the artist of the same name.
religion

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

repentant repose requital
adj n
/ rDSpentFnt / / rDSpPz / reredos
L L
experiencing contrition for one’s a state of rest. reresupper
sins together with the dedication of Caleb headed for the hammock,
oneself to the abandonment of hoping he could enjoy a few hours rescissible
unworthy purposes and values and of much-needed repose.
to the amendment of one’s life. rescission
When Scarlett O’Hara finally representative n
understood what Rhett Butler n / rDSsizhEn /
meant to her, she was repentant for / TreprDSzentEZiv / L
the many wrongs she had done him. L>F>E an act of annulling or of cancelling.
one that serves a constituency as a Bob’s comment about his mom’s
repercuss member of a governing body. rescission of his restrictions is
Brady felt honored when he was wishful thinking.
repercussion elected to be his homeroom’s
n representative to student council. rescissory
/ TrGpE(r)SkEshEn /
L reproachable reservoirs
an impact, action, or effect given or
exerted in return : a reciprocal repugnant resignation
action or effect.
Danny kicked Raul out of the club repugnatorial resiliently
without fear of repercussion.
repulsion resolutive
repetend
reputable resolvancy
repetiteur
n reputation resolve
/ TrCTpCZEStEr / n v
L>F / TrepyEStCshEn / / rDSzBlv /
a singing coach; especially : one L L
who coaches singers in operatic a particular character in popular find an answer to, clear up, or
roles. estimation or ascription. successfully deal with.
As part of her comeback strategy, The old dilapidated house had a Blair’s role as a professional
the diva hired a famous repetiteur. reputation for being haunted. mediator is to resolve disputes
between two or more parties.
replete reputed
adj adj resonant
/ rDSplGt / / rDSpyVZDd / adj
L L / Srez(F)nEnt /
fully or abundantly provided : well held in estimation. L
supplied. Frans hails from one of the most continuing or capable of continuing
The test preparation booklet is reputed law firms in the state. to sound.
replete with examples of various Rory marveled at the resonant tone
types of questions. requesting of the church bells.

replicate requisition resorcinol
v n n
/ SreplETkCt / / TrekwESzishEn / / rDzSOrsDTnOl /
L L (L + It? + Lcf + L?) > ISV

duplicate, repeat. a written request for something (as a soluble crystalline acidic
For an experiment to be considered materials, supplies, or personnel)
compound obtained from various
valid, scientists must be able to authorized but not made available resins or artificially and used

replicate it independently. automatically. especially in making dyes,
The teacher filled out a requisition pharmaceuticals, and resins.

for the supplies to be requested on Resorcinol is now commonly used

a purchase order. in making adhesives for wood.

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

resort resuscitable revelatory
adj adj
resourcefulness / rDSsEsEZEbEl / / rDSvelETtPrG /
n L L
/ rGSsP(E)rsfElnDs / capable of being revived from serving to disclose something (as
L > F + Ecff apparent death or from character or conditions).
fertility in devising ways and unconsciousness. Revelatory interviews with gang
means. The rescued swimmer was members brought to light their
Ingmarie’s resourcefulness made unconscious but considered goals, routines, and mentality.
up for her lack of artistic resuscitable.
experience. revelrous
retainer
respectable revelry
retaliate n
respirometer / SrevElrG /
n retaliator E
/ TrespESrBmEZE(r) / boisterous merrymaking.
L + Gk retaliatory The revelry at campaign
an instrument for studying the headquarters began after the
character and extent of the reticent arrival of the winning candidate.
consumption of oxygen.
Eggs and seeds have been studied retinitis revendicate
using a respirometer. v
retorts / rDSvendETkCt /
resplendent n pl L>F
/ rDStO(E)rts / recover by a formal demand for
responsible L restoration.
quick sharp witty cutting or severe After German reunification, many
restaurant replies. who had emigrated to the West
n Alison’s retorts quickly got on Mrs. during the Cold War attempted to
/ SreTstrBnt / Turner’s nerves. revendicate their former homes.
L>F
an establishment where retributive reverberance
refreshments or meals may be
procured by the public : a public retrieval review
eating house. v
Health inspectors visited Nellie’s retrocede / rGSvyV /
restaurant three times before they v F
would allow it to reopen. / TretrESsGd / [has homonym: revue] study anew.
L Isidora did not have time to review
resurgency give back (a territory or her lecture notes before the exam.
jurisdiction) usually by treaty.
resurrect In 1783 Great Britain agreed to revision
v retrocede to Spain all the territory
/ TrezESrekt / that Spain had turned over to Great revisory
L>E Britain in 1763.
raise from the dead : restore to life. revivalist
Emily hopes to resurrect the plans retrograde
for the Junior-Senior Banquet. adj revivifier
/ SretrETgrCd /
resurrected L revolution
v moving, directed, or tending in a n
/ TrezESrekZDd / backward direction. / TrevESlVshEn /
L The soldiers fought a retrograde L
brought to view, attention, or use action. completion by a celestial body of
again. an orbit or elliptic course.
Martha made a dessert from a retroussage The year is defined as the time it
resurrected recipe in a newspaper takes for Earth to make one
clipping from the 19th century. revehent revolution around the Sun.

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

revolver rhetorically rhizomatous
adv adj
revolving / rDStOrDk(E)lG / / rISzBmEZEs /
Gk + Ecff Gk > L
revuist in a manner using the art of having the characteristics of or
expressive speech or discourse. resembling a somewhat elongate
revulsion Susan threw up her hands and usually horizontal subterranean
asked rhetorically what would plant stem.
reward happen to her next. Canna, certain types of iris, and the
calla lily are all rhizomatous.
rhabdoid rheum
adj n rhizome
/ SrabTdOid / / SrVm /
Gk + Gk > Ecf Gk rhodopsin
shaped like a rod. [has homonym: room] a watery n
Tests indicated that Jeremy had a discharge from the mucous / rPSdBpsDn /
rhabdoid tumor in his kidney. membranes especially of the eyes Gk + Gk
or nose. a red photosensitive pigment in the
rhadamanthine Catarrhs and colds are marked by retinal rods of marine fishes and
adj rheum as well as other symptoms. most higher vertebrates that is
/ TradESman(t)thDn / important for vision in dim light.
Gk name rhinal A deficiency of vitamin A results in
rigorously just. adj a loss of rhodopsin and could lead
Though the students did not always / SrInFl / to night blindness.
like Mrs. Moss’s decisions, they Gk
respected her rhadamanthine of or relating to the nose. rhonchus
judgment. The rhinal cavity lies between the n
cranium and the roof of the mouth / SrBNkEs /
rhagadiform and extends from the nostrils to the Gk > L
pharynx. a whistling or snoring sound heard
rhapsodic on auscultation of the chest when
adj rhinencephalon the air channels are partly
/ rapSsBdik / n obstructed.
Gk / TrInTDnSsefETlBn / When the doctor detected a
extravagantly emotional : Gk rhonchus with his stethoscope, he
rapturous. the anterior inferior part of the suspected pneumonia.
The singer grew rhapsodic as he forebrain that is chiefly concerned
sang of the virtues of his beloved. with the sense of smell. rhyparography
An electrode was inserted into the
rhapsodize rhinencephalon during the rhythmic
experiment. adj
rhapsody / SriLmik /
rhinologic Gk
rhathymia marked by pronounced rhythm :
rhinoplasty regularly recurrent.
rheostatic The rhythmic movements of the
rhinorrhagia waltz were very soothing to Laurie
rhesus n after dancing the mashed potato.
n / TrInESrCj(G)E /
/ SrGsEs / Gk > L rhythmical
Gk > L nosebleed.
a pale brown Asian monkey often After the fifth round the boxer had rhytidome
used in medical research. to be treated for rhinorrhagia.
A rhesus was the first monkey to be rhyton
rocketed into the stratosphere. rhinoscopy
ria
rhetorical rhinotracheitis

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

riant rinderpest ritualistic
adj
/ SrIEnt / ringent ritzy
L
pleasingly mirthful. ringleader rivalless
The riant hostess spread good adj
cheer from guest to guest rinse / SrIvEl(l)Ds /
throughout the evening. L + Ecf
riot being without a competitive equal.
ribaldry The young Russian couple was
rioter considered rivalless in the world of
ribbon ice dancing.
riotous
ricketiness riverbank
rippling
rickey adj rivet
/ Srip(E)liN / n
riddle Flemish? / SrivDt /
having a fretted or highly ruffled F>E
riddling surface. a headed pin or bolt of some
The rippling stream held plenty of malleable material used for uniting
ridiculosity trout, beaver, and crayfish. two or more pieces.
Mr. Churchill placed a rivet in
ridiculously ripsnorter Mrs. Bates’s spectacles, which
adv have never been at fault since.
/ rDSdikyElEslG / riptide
L>F riviera
in an absurd, laughable, or risibles n
preposterous manner. / TrivGSerE /
The professor was ridiculously risorgimento L > F > Mediterranean geog name
absent-minded and became the butt n a coastline much frequented as a
of many jokes. / (T)rGTsO(r)jDSmen(T)tP / resort area and usually having a
L > It mild climate.
rifamycin a time of renewal or renaissance : Students flocked to the Florida
revival. riviera during spring break.
riffraff During the Victorian Age the
English novel experienced a roadster
righteousness risorgimento.
robbery
rightfully ritardando n
adv / SrBb(E)rG /
rigidify / TrGTtBrSdBn(T)dP / F>E
L > It the act of stealing by violence or
rimosely with a gradual slackening in tempo. threat of violence.
“Again! You must play that The FBI was called in to help solve
rimulose passage ritardando,” the conductor the armored car robbery.
adj exhorted.
/ SrimyETlPs / robust
L ritual
having small chinks or fissures. n rocketry
With a magnifying glass the / Srich(E)wEl /
rimulose structure of the lichen L roguery
became apparent. the forms of conducting a
devotional service especially as
rimy established by tradition : the
prescribed order and words of a
rinceau religious ceremony.
The Passover seder is filled with
rind spoken ritual and symbolic foods.

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

roguish roque rosorial
adj n
/ SrPgish / / SrPk / rotatable
unknown F
dishonest, unprincipled. croquet played on a hard-surfaced rote
The roguish salesman tried to court having a raised border used as
convince Barbara that the car was a cushion in bank shots. rottweiler
in perfect condition. The city athletic club allows n
members to play roque on the roof. / SrBtTwITlE(r) /
roguishly G geog name
rorqual a dog of the breed of tall vigorous
roister n black cattle dogs having short hair,
/ SrOrkwEl / tan or brown markings, a short tail,
rollicking ON > Norw > F and small drooping ears.
any of a family of large baleen Sam’s rottweiler was an imposing
romaine whales (as a blue whale or guard dog.
humpback whale) having the skin
romantic of the throat marked with deep rotunda
longitudinal furrows.
romeo A rorqual filters its food out of the roturier
n water by means of baleen plates
/ SrPmGTP / growing down from the roof of its rouleau
Shakespearean name mouth. n
a man’s slipper or shoe with a high / rVSlP /
backing quarter, high front, and rosaceous F
usually U-shaped elastic gores at adj [Note: Plural form can be
the sides. / rPSzCshEs / pronounced identically.] a roll of
The romeo on display was made of L coins put up in paper.
one piece of black felt. of, relating to, or resembling a rose, Rhea counted her dimes and found
especially in having a five-petaled that she had enough for a rouleau.
rondeau regular corolla.
n Apple, pear, peach, and cherry rounce
/ SrBn(T)dP / trees have rosaceous blossoms.
F roundabout
[has homonym: rondo] a fixed roseate adj
form of verse usually of 15 lines. adj / SraUndETbaUt /
Shona sat up half the night / SrPzGDt / E+E
polishing the rondeau she would L deviating from a straight line or
read the next day aloud to the overly optimistic or pleasing. course.
class. The commentator seemed roseate The storm forced the pilot to take a
as he predicted a quick end to the roundabout path.
rookery strike.
n roundlet
/ SrUkErG / roseleaf n
F>E / SraUndlDt /
a breeding ground or common roseroot F>E
haunt of gregarious birds or n a 15th-century hat for men with a
animals (as rooks, herons, / SrPzTrVt / round padded edge and loose
penguins, or seals); also : a colony Gk > L > E + ON > E drapery forming the crown and
of such birds or animals. a perennial fleshy herb whose hanging over the edge.
Construction of the factory will subterranean parts have a floral Fashionable men in the mid-15th
jeopardize the rookery. odor. century wore pleated, fur-trimmed
Lorna planted roseroot along the tunics, fitted hose, and on their
sidewalk. heads, the roundlet.

rosette

rosinante

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

roundsters rubble ruddy
n pl n adj
/ SraUn(d)ztE(r)z / / SrEbEl / / SrEdG /
E + Ecff E E
the privilege in marbles of shooting broken fragments of stone and having or marked by a reddish
from any point on the ring line. other matter resulting from the color associated with the glow of
If your shooter goes outside the decay or destruction of a building. good health or a suffusion of blood
ring line, you may take roundsters. The unkempt man sitting on a pile (as from exercise, excitement,
of rubble is a reporter who is doing exposure).
rouse a feature story on the homeless. Working in the sugarcane fields
v has given Caleb a ruddy
/ SraUz / rube complexion.
E
kindle to intensity : excite, inflame. rubescent rudenture
The producer of the documentary
on poverty hopes to rouse passion rubicelle rudiments
among many viewers for the long n pl
term. Rubicon / SrVdEmEnts /
n L
rousing / SrVbETkBn / fundamental skills taught or learned
L (as in an elementary school).
roussette a bounding or limiting line; Reading, writing, and arithmetic
especially : one that when crossed are the rudiments of elementary
rout commits a person to an irrevocable school education.
change or decision.
route Alta put off choosing a college rued
major because she felt that to do so v
routine would be crossing the Rubicon. / SrVd /
n E
/ rVStGn / rubify [has homonyms: rood, rude] felt
F regret for.
a standardized piece of rubricated How many a man has committed
entertainment or showmanship; v himself on a short acquaintance
specifically : a theatrical number. / SrVbrETkCZDd / and rued it all the rest of his life!
An emcee introduced each routine L rueful
in the variety show. provided with a heading adj
distinguished by being done in a / SrVfEl /
routinely color (as red) different from the rest E
of the text or by some other device. feeling or expressing sorrow or pity
routinize Mr. Byas was certain that the : mournful.
rubricated manuscript was written Grandpa grew a bit rueful as he
roux by Celia, an especially creative recalled the missed opportunities of
n student. his life.
/ SrV /
F rubrofugal rufescent
[has homonyms: roo, rue] a adj
mixture of flour and fat cooked ruction / rVSfesFnt /
sometimes until the flour browns n L
and used to thicken soups and / SrEkshEn / reddish.
sauces. L? Minga decided to apply more
After deglazing the pan with white a noisy rough-and-tumble fight. sunscreen to her shoulders when
wine, Graham added a roux made A fierce ruction broke out in the she saw how rufescent they looked.
of flour and butter. angry crowd, and the police had to
intervene. ruffianize
rowdyism
ruffianly
royale
ruffled
royalty

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

rugged rutherford sabot
adj n n
/ SrEgDd / / SrELE(r)fE(r)d / / saSbP /
Scand > E E name F
harsh, ungentle. a unit strength of a radioactive a wooden work shoe worn in
The welder’s rugged demeanor source corresponding to 1 million various European countries.
belied his warm heart. disintegrations per second. An ill-fitting sabot can cause
Avery could easily calculate painful blisters.
rumfustian radioactive strength to the nearest
rutherford, but it was difficult for saccharimeter
runic him to conceive just how fast 1
adj million disintegrations per second saccharine
/ SrVnik / really was.
ON&E + Ecf saccharinity
relating to an alphabet of angular ruthful n
characters used for inscriptions and / TsakESrinEZG /
magic signs by the Germanic ruthless Skt > Pali > Gk > L+ Ecf
peoples from about the 3rd to the adj the quality or state of being sweet :
13th centuries and especially by the / SrVthlDs / sweetness.
Scandinavians and Anglo-Saxons. E Amy said that she couldn’t finish
Runic research in the ’30s and ’40s merciless, pitiless. her chocolate dessert because its
was so tainted by Nazi ideology Thomas was ruthless in the honesty saccharinity was too much for her
that the information from this with which he declared his taste.
period is considered useless to any opinions.
serious student of Teutonic lore. saccharoid
rutile
rupicolous sackbut
adj rutted
/ rVSpikElEs / adj sackcloth
L+L / SrEtDd /
living among, inhabiting, or F? sacrament
growing on rocks. having or marked by tracks worn
The crayfish is a rupicolous by a wheel or by habitual passage sacred
crustacean. of anything. adj
He guided them along one of five / SsCkrDd /
rustication narrow ledges, all of which led to a L
grooved and rutted plateau. devoted exclusively to the service
rustling or use (as of a particular person,
n rye purpose, or group).
/ SrEs(E)liN / The fund organizers promised that
E sabin all the monies collected would be
[has near homonym: wrestling] the n sacred to charity.
stealing of cattle. / SsCbDn /
When the sheriff was informed Am name sacrilegious
about the rustling, he assembled a [Note: Alternate pronunciation has
posse to round up the thieves. homonym: sabine.] a unit of sacristan
acoustic absorption equivalent to n
the absorption by 1 square foot of a / SsakrDstEn /
perfect absorber (as an open L
window). an officer of a church in charge of
In sound absorption, calculations the room where the sacred utensils
measured by the sabin, and vestments are kept.
reverberation time, and volume of The sacristan counted the
the room are critical factors. communion plates at the end of the
service and stacked them on a
shelf.

sadiron

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

Santeria sarcastic sashimi
n n
/ TsanteSrGE / sarcolysis / SsBshEmG /
AmerSp n Jpn
a religion practiced originally in / sBrSkBlEsDs / raw fish served as an appetizer and
Cuba. Gk usually accompanied by a
Santeria identifies Yoruba deities the disintegration or dissolution of condiment.
with Roman Catholic saints. muscular tissue. At the reception, waiters in black
Examination of the patient’s heart tie passed trays of sashimi and
sapajou revealed areas of advanced other hors d’oeuvres.
n sarcolysis.
/ SsapETjV / Sasquatch
Tupi > F sarcoma n
a long-tailed South American n / SsasTkwBch /
monkey with the hair on its crown / sBrSkPmE / Halkomelem
resembling a monk’s cowl—called Gk a large hairy humanlike creature
also “capuchin.” a malignant tumor arising in that is reported to exist in the
Some zoologists believe that the connective tissue and especially in northwestern United States and
sapajou is the most intelligent of bone, cartilage, or striated muscle. western Canada—called also
the New World monkeys. The sarcoma in Pat’s arm was “bigfoot.”
treated early enough to prevent Periodically, someone reports that
sapient serious impairment. they have seen Sasquatch.

sapling sarcophilous satisfactorily

saponify sardonically satisfy
v adv
/ sESpBnETfI / / TsBrSdBnDk(E)lG / satori
L>F Gk > F n
convert (as a fat or fatty acid) into in a manner characterized by / sEStPrG /
soap. derision or scorn : with an attitude Jpn
The chart indicated that 12 ounces disdainfully or skeptically sudden enlightenment and a state of
of lye would completely saponify an humorous. consciousness attained by intuitive
ounce of the fat in question. Nancy remarked sardonically that illumination representing the
the best economic situation for the spiritual goal of Zen Buddhism.
saponin country would be a major war. The primary method of achieving
n satori is through the use of koans—
/ SsapEnDn / Sardoodledom riddles that enhance meditation.
L>F n
any of numerous glycosides that / sBrSdVdFldEm / saturator
occur in many plants (as soapbark, F name
soapwort) that are characterized by mechanically contrived plot Saturnian
their properties of foaming in structure and stereotyped or n
water. unrealistic characterization in / sEStErnGEn /
The hiker found some soapbark, drama : melodrama. L
pounded it underwater with a rock Excellent acting and directing a hypothetical inhabitant of the
to release the saponin, and used the masked the play’s Sardoodledom. planet Saturn.
resulting suds for a satisfying bath. A Saturnian was the villain in
sarrusophone Margaret’s story about life in
sapphirine space.

sappy saturnism

sapremia

saprogenic

saprophytic

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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

sault scagliola scatheless
n n adj
/ SsV / / skalSyPlE / / SskCLlDs /
L>F>E Gmc > It ON > E
[has homonyms: Sioux, sou, sue] a
fall or rapid in a river. an imitation of ornamental marble [Note: Speller might confuse first
The canoeists, taken by surprise,
barely made it through the sault. used for floors, columns, and other component with scath.] being
ornamental interior work. without injury or damage :
sauna
After a few years the scagliola in unharmed.

the hotel lobby began to look Fortunately, the Wagner family
shabby. survived the earthquake scatheless.

sauntered scalable scattered
v
/ SsOntE(r)d / scalare scavenger
E
walked about idly and in a leisurely scalariform scenarist
manner.
Count von Saurau sauntered along scald scene
the shore with not a care in the v
world. / SskOld / scenery
L>F>E
saurophagous bring (a liquid) to a temperature schapping
just below the boiling point.
sauterelle To make perfect cocoa, first scald schedule
the milk.
savagely schematic
adv scalded
/ SsavijlG / schematically
E scalepan
in a ferocious manner. schloss
Nora struck her father savagely scallion n
with her little fists. / SshlOs /
scalper G
savant a German castle or manor house.
scanty Gretchen and Anders returned to
sawdust the schloss after a hard day of
scapegoat skiing.
sawyer
scarabaeiform schnauzer
saxifrage adj
n / TskarESbGETfOrm / schneider
/ SsaksEfrij / L+E n
L resembling a family of stout-bodied / SshnIdE(r) /
a member of a genus of plants with beetles of subsocial habits (as the G
showy five-part flowers and usually tumblebugs). failure of the loser of a game of gin
with leaves growing in tufts close One or more scarabaeiform beetles rummy to score any point.
to the ground. were regarded by the ancient If the loser has failed to score, the
Many types of saxifrage grow well Egyptians as symbolic of game is a shutout, or schneider,
in rocky alpine soil. resurrection and immortality. and the winner’s total score is
doubled.
saxifragous scarcely

scabbling

scabrid

scaffolding

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