Root Words

common root words and word origins roots meaning word alter other alternate, alter ego ami, amiclove amiable, amicable amphi both ends or all sides amphibian ann, enni year anniversary, annual, biennial, perennial anthrop human, man anthropology, anthropomorphic, misanthrope aqua, aque water aquatic, aquarium, aqueduct arch chief, leader, ruler archangel, monarch, archaic, archenemy arthro joint arthritis aud sound auditorium, audible, audiologist, audiotape bell war belligerent, bellicose biblio book bibliography, bibliophile biolife biography, autobiography, biology, antibiotic brev

short brief, abbreviate cap take, seize capture, captivate, capacity carn meat carnivorous, chili con carne ced yield, go recede, secede, proceed, intercede, concession chromcolor chromatic, monochrome, polychrome chrontime chronicle, chronology, chronometer, synchronize cogn know recognize, cognitive, incognito cord/chord cord harpsichord corp body corpus, corpse, corporal crac, crat rule, ruler autocrat, democracy, bureaucrat, democracy cred believe credible, credulous, credibility, credit, credo cruc cross crucifix, crucial crusta shell crustacean crypt hidden cryptogram, cryptology, cryptic culp

guilt culpable, culprit dei god deity, deify demopeople demography, democracy, epidemic dent tooth dentist, dentifrice, dentin dermskin dermatology, epidermis, hypodermic dic speak, say dictate, predict, diction, indict dox belief, opinion orthodoxy, paradox, heterodoxy duc, duct lead induce, deduce, seduction, conduct, abduct duo two duo dynampower dynamo, hydrodynamics ego self egotist, egomania equ equal equal, equity, equanimity, equate, equidistant fac make, do manufacture, factory, benefactor fil threadlike filament frater

brother fraternal, fraternize gammarriage monogamy, polygamy, bigamy geoearth geopolitical, geology, geography, geothermal glyph vertical groove hieroglyphics—egyptian “sky writing” grad, gress step gradual, progression, transgression graphwriting, printing graphology, biography, telegraph, geography gym naked gymnasium gynwoman gynecologist, androgynous hemo, hema, hem blood hemophilia, hematology, hemoglobin holo whole, entire holograph hydro, hydr water dehydrate, hydraulics, hydroelectric, hydroplane iso equal, identical isolate ject throw inject, reject, subject, projection jud judge judicial, judge, adjudicate leg, lect

read, choose legible, lectern, lecturer, election liter letter literature, illiterate, literal loc place local, location log word monologue, epilogue luc light lucid, elucidate magn large magnify, magnate, magnificent man hand manufacture, manual, manuscript mar sea marine, mariner mater mother maternal, maternity, matriarchy, matricide mere part, segment mere meta, met behind, between metacognition—behind the thinking metri, metermeasure geometric, thermometer, odometer min small minority, minuscule, minute mit, miss send permit, submission, mission, emit, mob, mot, mov

move mobile, automobile, motion, promote, movie mon warn premonition, admonition mor, mort death mortal, mortician, immortality morph form, structure metamorphosis, amorphous, morphology mut change mutant, mutability, mutate neuro nerve neurology, neurosis, neurobiology nomen /nomin name nominal, nominate, nomenclature nov new novel, renovate, innovation, novella nym, onym word, name synonym, acronym, anonymous, pseudonym odonto tooth orthodontist—one who straightens teeth orthostraight, correct orthodox, orthodontist, orthopedic pac peace pacify, pacific ocean, pacifist pater father paternal, paternity, patricide, patrilineal, patriotic path feeling, suffering sympathy, apathy, empathy, telepathy, pathology ped, pod

foot pedal, pedometer, centipede, gastropod pel, puls push pulsate, repulsive, impulse, compel, propel pend hang, weigh pendulum, pendant, suspend, pending phon-, phonosound, voice telephone, euphony, cacophony, phonograph plan flat planar, plantation, plane pneum lung pneumatic pod feet podiatrist port carry portable, transport, portage, report, pot power potent, omnipotent, potentate psychsoul, spirit, mind psychology, psychic, psychobiography pugna fight pugnacious, pugilist quer, quis ask query, inquisition, scent, scend climb ascend, ascent schizo, schiz division, split schizophrenic sci

know scientific sciss cut scissors scrib, script write manuscript, scribe, proscribe, scripture sec, sect cut dissect, section sed, sess sit sedentary, session sens, sent feel, be aware sensible, sentient sequ, secu follow sequence, sequel, consecutive serv serve, protect service simil same similar, assimilate, simile, facsimile (fax) siphon tube siphon sol sun solar son sound sonar, resonate, unison soph wisdom, knowledge philosophy, sophisticated, sophomore (wise fool) spec, spic look, see spectacles, spectator, inauspicious, prospect spir

coil spiral spir breathe inspire, respiration, conspire, perspiration spond, spons promise, answer for respond, responsible spont by one's own force spontaneous stat stay, position station tang, tact touch tactile, tangible temp time temporary, temporize ten, tent hold tentative, tenable, tenuous terr earth subterranean, terrain, terrestrial, disinter theo god, deity theology, polytheism, atheist, monotheism thermheat thermal, thermos, thermometer trophy nutrition, food atrophy—without nutrition uro urine urologist vac empty vacation, vacuum, vacuous, vacant ven, vent

come, go intervene, convene, contravene ver truth veracity, verify, verity vert turn introvert, irreversible, vertigo vit life vital, revitalize, vitamin voc call revoke, invocation, vocal, evocative, convocation zoo animal zoo, zoology, zoolatry

prefixes prefix meaning examples a-, annot, without amoral, anesthetic, apolitical, asocial abaway from abduction, abstain, abnormal adto, toward adjoin, adjacent (lying near to) ambiboth ambidextrous, ambivalent anaup, back, again analogy, anatomy, anagram antiagainst antipathy, antiwar, antisocial apofrom, away from apology, apologize autoself autobiography, automobile, autocracy, automaton benegood benediction benevolent benefactor cata-, catdown, against catastrophe--a turning down centro, centriaround, center concentric, centrifugal circumaround circumlocution circumference, circumvent comwith, together

communal, community conwith, together connect, confide conspire contraagainst contradict, contravene dedown, away descend, deject (cast down) dia-, dithrough, across diameter, division disapart, not disengage, discord, discomfort dysill, difficult, bad dysfunctional, dysentery eout of, from elect (choose out of), eject (throw out) ectoon the outside ectoderm--outer skin en-, emin empathy--feeling in endowithin, inside endoscope--instrument for observing inside epiupon epitaph epidermis, epicenter esoinward, within esoteric--more inward, esophagus euwell, good euthanasia--good death exout of, from

exhume, exhale, exodus heteroother, different heterosexual, heterodoxy, heterodox heterogeneous homosame homosexual, homogeneous, homogenized hyperover hypertension, hypersensitive, hyperactivity hypounder hypotension, hypodermic ilnot illegitimate, illicit, illegal, illegible imnot imperfect, impolite, impossible iminto imbibe (drink in, take in) innot indiscreet, invisible ininto incorporate (take into the body) interbetween intervene (come between), interstate intrawithin intrastate, intramural irnot irregular, irrational, irredeemable macrolarge macrocosm, macroeconomics mal, malebad, evil

malediction malevolent, malnutrition metabeyond metaphysical microsmall microscope, microcosm, microeconomics monoone, single monologue, monotheism, monarchy, monogamy neonew, recent neologism, neo-liberal, neonatology. neolithic obagainst object, obstruct (build against) palin-, paliback, again palindrome panall, every pantheism, pan-hellenic, panorama, pandemic parafalse paramilitary, paralegal, parachute perthrough percolate (flow through) perforate (punch through) periaround perimeter, periscope phil-, philolike, lover of philosophy, francophile, bibliophile, philanthropy polymany, several polygon, polygamy, polytechnic, polytheism postafter postgraduate, posthumous postpone prebefore

precede, predict (tell before) profor, forward promote, project prostoward, in front prospect—view in front, something coming up protofirst prototype, protoplasm, protobiology pseudo false pseudonym, pseudoscience reagain, back repeat, recede, regress (step back) retroback retrogression, retroactive seaway from seduce (lead away), secede subunder submarine, subject, subhuman subterranean sur-, superover, above superhuman, superego, superintend, surpass syn-, sym-, syl-, syswith, together symphony, synonym, system, syllable teledistant, far off telephone, telepathy, television, telegram transacross transient, transatlantic, transport (carry across)

suffixes suffix definition example -agog, -agogue leader demagogue, pedagogue -cide kill(ing) patricide, infanticide, herbicide. suicide -ectomy cutting appendectomy, splenectomy -ia, -y act, state amnesia, mania, democracy, anarchy -ic, -tic, -ical, -ac having to do with anthropomorphic, dramatic, biblical, cardiac -ics things having to do with optics, physics -isk, -iscus small asterisk--a little star -ism the belief in pacifism, terrorism, socialism, communism -ist one who believes in pacifist, terrorist, socialist, communist -ite one connected with meteorite, polite, cosmopolite -logy study field of biology, geology, etymology, cardiology -oid resembling, like-shaped asteroid, spheroid -or, -er one who takes part in

doctor, actor, teacher, driver -phobia exaggerated fear photophobia, claustrophobia, agoraphobia -sis act, state, condition of analysis

forms of government it has been suggested that every government which has ever existed has been a prime example of kakistocracy, or the rule of the worst, but this list of 169 different types of leadership suggests that that might be a bit too simplistic. each of the following words indicates a type of government by a certain kind of person or institution. everyone seems to want to get in on this rulership gig, from saints and mothers to beggars and prostitutes (hmm ...). etymologically-minded folks should note the difference between the suffix 'archy', meaning 'rulership', and 'cracy', meaning 'power', which both come from greek roots. this fact, of course, should suggest to any reasonable-minded person that the greek people are inherently more fit to rule than all other groups. at least in my world ...word definition acracy government by none; anarchy adhocracy government in an unstructured fashion; an unstructured organization albocracy government by white people anarchy government by none androcracy government by men anemocracy government by the wind or by whim angelocracy government by angels antarchy opposition to government; anarchy argentocracy government by money aristarchy government by the best aristocracy government by the nobility arithmocracy government by simple majority autarchy government by an absolute ruler autocracy government by one individual barbarocracy government by barbarians beerocracy government by brewers or brewing interests bestiocracy rule by beasts biarchy government by two people; diarchy binarchy government by two people; diarchy bureaucracy government by civil servants cannonarchy government by superior firepower or by cannons capelocracy government by shopkeepers chiliarchy government by one thousand people chirocracy government by physical force chromatocracy government by rulers of a particular skin colour chrysoaristocracy government by the wealthy; plutocracy chrysocracy government by the wealthy; plutocracy corpocracy government by corporate bureaucrats cosmarchy rulership over the entire world, esp. by the devil cottonocracy government by those involved in the cotton trade cryptarchy secret rulership decadarchy government by ten individuals; decarchy decarchy government by ten individuals demarchy government by the people; popular government democracy government by the people demonarchy government by a demon demonocracy government by demons or evil forces despotocracy government by despots or tyrants diabolocracy government by the devil diarchy government by two people dinarchy government by two people; diarchy dodecarchy government by twelve people doulocracy government by slaves duarchy government by two people; diarchy dulocracy government by slaves; doulocracy

dyarchy government by two people; diarchy ecclesiarchy government by clerics or ecclesiastical authorities endarchy centralised government ergatocracy government by the workers or the working class ethnarchy government over an ethnic group ethnocracy government by an ethnic group or race exarchy government by bishops foolocracy government by fools gerontocracy government by the aged gunarchy government by women; gynarchy gymnasiarchy government over a school or academy gynaecocracy government by women; gynarchy gynarchy government by women gynocracy government by women; gynarchy hagiarchy government by saints or holy persons hagiocracy government by holy men hamarchy government by a cooperative body of parts hecatarchy government by one hundred people; hecatontarchy hecatontarchy government by one hundred people hendecarchy government by eleven people heptarchy government by seven people heroarchy government by heroes hetaerocracy government by paramours heterarchy government by a foreign ruler hierarchy government by a ranked body; government by priests hierocracy government by priests or religious ministers hipparchy rule or control of horses hoplarchy government by the military hyperanarchy condition of extreme anarchy hyperarchy excessive government iatrarchy government by physicians idiocracy personal rule; self-rule infantocracy government by an infant isocracy equal political power jesuitocracy government by jesuits juntocracy government by a junta kakistocracy government by the worst kleptocracy government by thieves kritarchy government by judges landocracy government by the propertied class; timocracy logocracy government of words matriarchy government by women or mothers meritocracy government by the meritorious merocracy government by a part of the citizenry mesocracy government by the middle classes metrocracy government by mothers or women; matriarchy millionocracy government by millionaires millocracy government by mill owners mobocracy government by mobs or crowds monarchy government by one individual moneyocracy government by the monied classes monocracy government by one individual myriarchy government by ten thousand individuals narcokleptocracy government by those who profit from trade in illegal drugs navarchy rulership over the seas neocracy government by new or inexperienced rulers

nomocracy government based on legal system; rule of law ochlocracy government by mobs octarchy government by eight people oligarchy government by the few paedarchy government by children paedocracy government by children; paedarchy panarchy universal rule or dominion pantarchy government by all the people; world government pantisocracy government by all equally paparchy government by the pope papyrocracy government by newspapers or literature parsonarchy government by parsons partocracy government by a single unopposed political party patriarchy government by men or fathers pedantocracy government by pedants or strict rule-bound scholars pentarchy government by five individuals phallocracy government by men philosophocracy government by philosophers phylarchy government by a specific class or tribe physiocracy government according to natural laws or principles pigmentocracy government by those of one skin colour plantocracy government by plantation owners plousiocracy government by the wealthy; plutocracy plutarchy government by the wealthy; plutocracy plutocracy government by the wealthy polarchy government by many people; polyarchy policeocracy government by police pollarchy government by the multitude or a mob; ochlocracy polyarchy government by many people polycracy government by many rulers; polyarchy popocracy government by populists pornocracy government by harlots prophetocracy government by a prophet psephocracy government resulting from election by ballot ptochocracy government by beggars or paupers; wholesale pauperization punditocracy government by political pundits quangocracy rule of quasi-autonomous non-governmental organizations rotocracy government by those who control rotten boroughs septarchy government by seven rulers; heptarchy shopocracy government by shopkeepers slavocracy government by slave-owners snobocracy government by snobs sociocracy government by society as a whole squarsonocracy government by landholding clergymen squatterarchy government by squatters; squattocracy squattocracy government by squatters squirearchy government by squires squirocracy government by squires; squirearchy statocracy government by the state alone, without ecclesiastical influence stratarchy rulership over an army stratocracy military rule or despotism strumpetocracy government by strumpets synarchy joint sovereignty technocracy government by technical experts tetradarchy government by four people; tetrarchy tetrarchy government by four people

thalassiarchy sovereignty of the seas; thalassocracy thalassocracy sovereignty of the seas thearchy rule by a god or gods; body of divine rulers theatrocracy goverment by gathered assemblies of citizens theocracy government by priests or by religious law timarchy government by the propertied class; timocracy timocracy government by the propertied class triarchy government by three people tritarchy government by three people; triarchy tritheocracy government by three gods whiggarchy government by whigs xenocracy government by a body of foreigners

colour terms this list contains 168 definitions of obscure colour terms using combinations of 'normal' colours of the rainbow and descriptive adjectives; e.g. cardinal = deep scarlet red; russet = reddish brown. note that most english speakers outside the u.s. spell colour with the added british 'u' rather than the american version color. don't worry if the colours (or colors) in your universe don't match up with the definitions i've given for these words, though - i've been known to have skewed perceptions of reality ...word definition aeneous shining bronze colour albicant whitish; becoming white albugineous like the white of an eye or an egg; white-coloured amaranthine immortal; undying; deep purple-red colour argent the heraldic colour silver or white atrous jet black aubergine eggplant; a dark purple colour aurulent gold-coloured azuline blue azure light or sky blue; the heraldic colour blue badious chestnut-coloured beige light creamy white-brown brunneous dark brown burnet dark brown; dark woollen cloth caesious bluish or greyish green cardinal deep scarlet red colour castaneous chestnut-coloured castory brown colour; brown dye derived from beaver pelts celadon pale green; pale green glazed pottery celeste sky blue cerulean sky-blue; dark blue; sea-green cesious bluish-grey chartreuse yellow-green colour chlorochrous green-coloured chrysochlorous greenish-gold cinerious ashen; ash-grey cinnabar red crystalline mercuric sulfide pigment; deep red or scarlet colour citreous lemon-coloured; lemony citrine dark greenish-yellow claret dark red-purple colour; a dark-red wine coccineous bright red columbine of or like a dove; dove-coloured coquelicot brilliant red; poppy red corbeau blackish green cramoisy crimson cretaceous of or resembling chalk; of a whitish colour croceate saffron-coloured cyaneous sky blue eau-de-nil pale green colour eburnean of or like ivory; ivory-coloured erythraean reddish colour ferruginous of the colour of rust; impregnated with iron filemot dead-leaf colour; dull brown flammeous flame-coloured flavescent yellowish or turning yellow fuliginous sooty; dusky; soot-coloured; of or pertaining to soot fulvous dull yellow; tawny

fuscous brown; tawny; dingy gamboge reddish-yellow colour glaucous sea-green; greyish-blue goldenrod dark golden yellow greige of a grey-beige colour gridelin violet-grey griseous pearl-grey or blue-grey; grizzled haematic blood-coloured heliotrope purplish hue; purplish-flowered plant; ancient sundial; signalling mirror hoary pale silver-grey colour; grey with age hyacinthine of a blue or purple colour ianthine violet-coloured ibis large stork-like bird; a pale apricot colour icterine yellowish or marked with yellow icteritious jaundiced; yellow incarnadine carnation-coloured; blood-red indigo deep blue-violet colour; a blue-violet dye infuscate clouded or tinged with brown; obscured; cloudy brown colour isabelline greyish yellow jacinthe orange colour jessamy yellow like a jasmine kermes brilliant red colour; a red dye derived from insects khaki light brown or tan lateritious brick-red leucochroic white or pale-coloured liard grey; dapple-grey lovat grey-green; blue-green lurid red-yellow; yellow-brown luteolous yellowish luteous golden-yellow lutescent yellowish madder red dye made from brazil wood; a reddish or red-orange colour magenta reddish purple maroon brownish crimson mauve light bluish purple mazarine rich blue or reddish-blue colour melanic black; very dark melichrous having a honey-like colour meline canary-yellow miniaceous colour of reddish lead minium vermilion; red lead modena crimson morel dark-coloured horse; blackish colour nacarat bright orange-red nankeen buff-coloured; durable buff-coloured cotton nigricant of a blackish colour nigrine black niveous snowy; white ochre yellowish or yellow-brown colour ochroleucous yellowish white olivaceous olive-coloured or heraldic colour gold or yellow pavonated peacock-blue periwinkle a bluish or azure colour; a plant with bluish flowers perse dark blue or bluish-grey; cloth of such a colour phoeniceous bright scarlet-red colour

piceous like pitch; inflammable; reddish black plumbeous leaden; lead-coloured ponceau poppy red porphyrous purple porraceous leek-green prasinous leek-green colour primrose pale yellow puccoon blood-root; dark red colour puce brownish-purple; purplish-pink puniceous bright or purplish red purpure heraldic colour purple purpureal purple pyrrhous reddish; ruddy rhodopsin visual purple rubiginous rusty-coloured rubious ruby red; rusty rufous reddish or brownish-red russet reddish brown sable black; dark; of a black colour in heraldry saffron orange-yellow sage grey-green colour sanguineous bloody; of, like or pertaining to blood; blood-red sapphire deep pure blue sarcoline flesh-coloured sepia fine brown sinopia preparatory drawing for a fresco; reddish-brown colour slate dull dark blue-grey smalt deep blue smaragdine emerald green solferino purplish red sorrel reddish-brown; light chestnut spadiceous chestnut-coloured stammel coarse woollen fabric, usually dyed red; bright red colour stramineous strawy; light; worthless; straw-coloured suede light beige sulphureous bright yellow tan tawny brown taupe brownish-grey tawny brownish-yellow teal greenish-blue terracotta reddish-brown testaceous of or having a hard shell; brick-red tilleul pale yellowish-green titian red-gold or reddish-brown topaz dark yellow turquoise blue-green ultramarine deep blue umber brownish red vermeil bright red or vermilion colour; gilded silver vermilion bright red vinaceous wine-coloured vinous deep red; burgundy violaceous violet-coloured violet bluish purple virescent becoming green or greenish; of a greenish colour virid green

viridian chrome green vitellary bright yellow wallflower yellowish-red watchet pale blue wheaten the golden colour of ripe wheat whey off-white willowish of the colour of willow leaves xanthic yellow; yellowish zinnober chrome green

philosophical isms here are 234 different isms, each representing a philosophical, political or moral doctrine or a belief system. in selecting terms for the list, i have deliberately avoided any word which apply ism to a personal name, so that marxism doesn't count although it is otherwise an ideal candidate for the list. i also excluded isms which do not refer to a specific belief system, such as impressionism (an artistic movement) or alcoholism (a disease). despite these omissions, enough remain to leave an ism in every pot, including beliefs about proper government, god, and the nature of existence itself. of the terms on the list that are of a religious nature, most are christian, which is not unexpected, but i'm open to adding isms from other world religions. word definition absolutism doctrine of government by a single absolute ruler; autocracy absurdism doctrine that we live in an irrational universe academicism doctrine that nothing can be known accidentalism theory that events do not have causes acosmism disbelief in existence of eternal universe distinct from god adamitism nakedness for religious reasons adevism denial of gods of mythology and legend adiaphorism doctrine of theological indifference or latitudinarianism adoptionism belief that christ was the adopted and not natural son of god aestheticism doctrine that beauty is central to other moral principles agapism ethics of love agathism belief in ultimate triumph of good despite evil means agnosticism doctrine that we can know nothing beyond material phenomena anarchism doctrine that all governments should be abolished animism attribution of soul to inanimate objects annihilationism doctrine that the wicked are utterly destroyed after death anthropomorphism attribution of human qualities to non-human things anthropotheism belief that gods are only deified men antidisestablishmentarianism doctrine opposed to removing church of england's official religion status antilapsarianism denial of doctrine of the fall of humanity antinomianism doctrine of the rejection of moral law antipedobaptism denial of validity of infant baptism apocalypticism doctrine of the imminent end of the world asceticism doctrine that self-denial of the body permits spiritual enlightenment aspheterism denial of the right to private property atheism belief that there is no god atomism belief that the universe consists of small indivisible particles autosoterism belief that one can obtain salvation through oneself autotheism belief that one is god incarnate or that one is christ bitheism belief in two gods bonism the doctrine that the world is good but not perfect bullionism belief in the importance of metallic currency in economics capitalism doctrine that private ownership and free markets should govern economies casualism the belief that chance governs all things catabaptism belief in the wrongness of infant baptism catastrophism belief in rapid geological and biological change collectivism doctrine of communal control of means of production collegialism theory that church is independent from the state conceptualism theory that universal truths exist as mental concepts conservatism belief in maintaining political and social traditions constructivism belief that knowledge and reality do not have an objective value cosmism belief that the cosmos is a self-existing whole cosmotheism the belief that identifies god with the cosmos deism belief in god but rejection of religion

determinism doctrine that events are predetermined by preceding events or laws diphysitism belief in the dual nature of christ ditheism belief in two equal gods, one good and one evil ditheletism doctrine that christ had two wills dualism doctrine that the universe is controlled by one good and one evil force egalitarianism belief that humans ought to be equal in rights and privileges egoism doctrine that the pursuit of self-interest is the highest good egotheism identification of oneself with god eidolism belief in ghosts emotivism theory that moral statements are inherently biased empiricism doctrine that the experience of the senses is the only source of knowledge entryism doctrine of joining a group to change its policies epiphenomenalism doctrine that mental processes are epiphenomena of brain activity eternalism the belief that matter has existed eternally eudaemonism ethical belief that happiness equals morality euhemerism explanation of mythology as growing out of history existentialism doctrine of individual human responsibility in an unfathomable universe experientialism doctrine that knowledge comes from experience fallibilism the doctrine that empirical knowledge is uncertain fatalism doctrine that events are fixed and humans are powerless fideism doctrine that knowledge depends on faith over reason finalism belief that an end has or can be reached fortuitism belief in evolution by chance variation functionalism doctrine emphasising utility and function geocentrism belief that earth is the centre of the universe gnosticism belief that freedom derives solely from knowledge gradualism belief that things proceed by degrees gymnobiblism belief that the bible can be presented to unlearned without commentary hedonism belief that pleasure is the highest good henism doctrine that there is only one kind of existence henotheism belief in one tribal god, but not as the only god historicism belief that all phenomena are historically determined holism doctrine that parts of any thing must be understood in relation to the whole holobaptism belief in baptism with total immersion in water humanism belief that human interests and mind are paramount humanitarianism doctrine that the highest moral obligation is to improve human welfare hylicism materialism hylomorphism belief that matter is cause of the universe hylopathism belief in ability of matter to affect the spiritual world hylotheism belief that the universe is purely material hylozoism doctrine that all matter is endowed with life idealism belief that our experiences of the world consist of ideas identism doctrine that objective and subjective, or matter and mind, are identical ignorantism doctrine that ignorance is a favourable thing illuminism belief in an inward spiritual light illusionism belief that the external world is philosophy imagism doctrine of use of precise images with unrestricted subject immanentism belief in an immanent or permanent god immaterialism the doctrine that there is no material substance immoralism rejection of morality indifferentism the belief that all religions are equally valid individualism belief that individual interests and rights are paramount instrumentalism doctrine that ideas are instruments of action intellectualism belief that all knowledge is derived from reason interactionism belief that mind and body act on each other introspectionism doctrine that knowledge of mind must derive from introspection

intuitionism belief that the perception of truth is by intuition irreligionism system of belief that is hostile to religions kathenotheism polytheism in which each god is considered single and supreme kenotism doctrine that christ rid himself of divinity in becoming human laicism doctrine of opposition to clergy and priests latitudinarianism doctrine of broad liberality in religious belief and conduct laxism belief that an unlikely opinion may be safely followed legalism belief that salvation depends on strict adherence to the law liberalism doctrine of social change and tolerance libertarianism doctrine that personal liberty is the highest value malism the belief that the world is evil materialism belief that matter is the only extant substance mechanism belief that life is explainable by mechanical forces meliorism the belief the world tends to become better mentalism belief that the world can be explained as aspect of the mind messianism belief in a single messiah or saviour millenarianism belief that an ideal society will be produced in the near future modalism belief in unity of father, son and holy spirit monadism theory that there exist ultimate units of being monergism theory that the holy spirit alone can act monism belief that all things can be placed in one category monophysitism belief that christ was primarily divine but in human form monopsychism belief that individuals have a single eternal soul monotheism belief in only one god monotheletism belief that christ had only one will mortalism belief that the soul is mortal mutualism belief in mutual dependence of society and the individual nativism belief that the mind possesses inborn thoughts naturalism belief that the world can be explained in terms of natural forces necessarianism theory that actions are determined by prior history; fatalism neonomianism theory that the gospel abrogates earlier moral codes neovitalism theory that total material explanation is impossible nihilism denial of all reality; extreme scepticism nominalism doctrine that naming of things defines reality nomism view that moral conduct consists in observance of laws noumenalism belief in existence of noumena nullibilism denial that the soul exists in space numenism belief in local deities or spirits objectivism doctrine that all reality is objective omnism belief in all religions optimism doctrine that we live in the best of all possible worlds organicism conception of life or society as an organism paedobaptism doctrine of infant baptism panaesthetism theory that consciousness may inhere generally in matter pancosmism theory that the material universe is all that exists panegoism solipsism panentheism belief that world is part but not all of god’s being panpsychism theory that all nature has a psychic side pansexualism theory that all thought derived from sexual instinct panspermatism belief in origin of life from extraterrestrial germs pantheism belief that the universe is god; belief in many gods panzoism belief that humans and animals share vital life energy parallelism belief that matter and mind don’t interact but relate pejorism severe pessimism perfectibilism doctrine that humans capable of becoming perfect perfectionism doctrine that moral perfection constitutes the highest value

personalism doctrine that humans possess spiritual freedom pessimism doctrine that the universe is essentially evil phenomenalism belief that phenomena are the only realities physicalism belief that all phenomena reducible to verifiable assertions physitheism attribution of physical form and attributes to deities pluralism belief that reality consists of several kinds or entities polytheism belief in multiple deities positivism doctrine that that which is not observable is not knowable pragmatism doctrine emphasizing practical value of philosophy predestinarianism belief that what ever is to happen is already fixed prescriptivism belief that moral edicts are merely orders with no truth value primitivism doctrine that a simple and natural life is morally best privatism attitude of avoiding involvement in outside interests probabiliorism belief that when in doubt one must choose most likely answer probabilism belief that knowledge is always probable but never absolute psilanthropism denial of christ's divinity psychism belief in universal soul psychomorphism doctrine that inanimate objects have human mentality psychopannychism belief souls sleep from death to resurrection psychotheism doctrine that god is a purely spiritual entity pyrrhonism total or radical skepticism quietism doctrine of enlightenment through mental tranquility racism belief that race is the primary determinant of human capacities rationalism belief that reason is the fundamental source of knowledge realism doctrine that objects of cognition are real reductionism belief that complex phenomena are reducible to simple ones regalism doctrine of the monarch's supremacy in church affairs representationalism doctrine that ideas rather than external objects are basis of knowledge republicanism belief that a republic is the best form of government resistentialism humorous theory that inanimate objects display malice towards humans romanticism belief in sentimental feeling in artistic expression sacerdotalism belief that priests are necessary mediators between god and mankind sacramentarianism belief that sacraments have unusual properties scientism belief that the methods of science are universally applicable self-determinism doctrine that the actions of a self are determined by itself sensationalism belief that ideas originate solely in sensation siderism belief that the stars influence human affairs skepticism doctrine that true knowledge is always uncertain socialism doctrine of centralized state control of wealth and property solarism excessive use of solar myths in explaining mythology solifidianism doctrine that faith alone will ensure salvation solipsism theory that self-existence is the only certainty somatism materialism spatialism doctrine that matter has only spatial, temporal and causal properties spiritualism belief that nothing is real except the soul or spirit stercoranism belief that the consecrated eucharist is digested and evacuated stoicism belief in indifference to pleasure or pain subjectivism doctrine that all knowledge is subjective substantialism belief that there is a real existence underlying phenomena syndicalism doctrine of direct worker control of capital synergism belief that human will and divine spirit cooperate in salvation terminism doctrine that there is a time limit for repentance thanatism belief that the soul dies with the body theism belief in the existence of god without special revelation theocentrism belief that god is central fact of existence theopantism belief that god is the only reality

theopsychism belief that the soul is of a divine nature thnetopsychism belief that the soul dies with the body, to be reborn on day of judgement titanism spirit of revolt or defiance against social conventions tolerationism doctrine of toleration of religious differences totemism belief that a group has a special kinship with an object or animal transcendentalism theory that emphasizes that which transcends perception transmigrationism belief that soul passes into other body at death trialism doctrine that humans have three separate essences (body, soul, spirit) tritheism belief that the members of the trinity are separate gods triumphalism belief in the superiority of one particular religious creed tuism theory that individuals have a second or other self tutiorism doctrine that one should take the safer moral course tychism theory that accepts role of pure chance ubiquitarianism belief that christ is everywhere undulationism theory that light consists of waves universalism belief in universal salvation utilitarianism belief that utility of actions determines moral value vitalism the doctrine that there is a vital force behind life voluntarism belief that the will dominates the intellect zoism doctrine that life originates from a single vital principle zoomorphism conception of a god or man in animal form zootheism attribution of divine qualities to animals

killing and killers anyone who has looked at the news lately knows that the human species seems to have an inordinate propensity for killing things. similarly, anyone looking at this list of 85 terms relating to killing will quickly realize that humans also have an inordinate propensity for making up words about killing things. all of these words end in 'cide', from latin caedere, to kill. however, some of them refer exclusively to the act of killing a specific thing (e.g. herbicide) while others can refer alternately to the act itself or to the person performing the act (e.g. homicide). of all of these, though, perhaps the greatest crime of all is verbicide, the brutal slaughter of our language by incompetents and ignoramuses. will the atrocities never end? also check out my list of fighting words - those ending in "machy".word definition aborticide killing of a fetus; abortion acaricide killer of mites and ticks algicide killer of algae amicicide murder of a friend aphicide killer of aphids aphidicide killer of aphids avicide killing of birds bacillicide killer of bacteria bactericide killer of bacteria biocide killing living material bovicide slaughter of cattle; one who kills cattle ceticide killing of whales and other cetaceans cimicide substance used to kill bed-bugs deicide destruction or killing of a god ecocide destruction of the environment episcopicide killing of bishops famicide one who destroys another's reputation; slanderer felicide killing of a cat femicide killing of a woman feticide killing of a fetus filicide killing of one's own child floricide killing or killer of flowers foeticide killing a fetus formicide substance that kills ants fratricide killing of one's brother fungicide killing of fungus genocide killing of a race or ethnic group germicide substance that kills germs giganticide killing of a giant gynaecide killing of women herbicide killing of plants hereticide killing of heretics homicide killing of a human being infanticide killing of an infant insecticide killing of insects larvicide killing of larvae liberticide destruction of liberty lupicide killing of a wolf mariticide killing or killer of one's husband matricide killing of one's mother menticide reduction of mind by psychological pressure microbicide killing or killer of microbes miticide agent which kills mites molluscicide killing of mollusks

muscicide neonaticide ovicide ovicide parasiticide parasuicide parenticide parricide patricide perdricide pesticide prolicide pulicide raticide regicide rodenticide senicide serpenticide siblicide silvicide sororicide speciocide spermicide sporicide suicide taeniacide tauricide trypanocide tyrannicide urbicide ursicide utricide uxoricide vaticide verbicide vermicide vespacide viricide virucide vulpicide weedicide

substance for killing flies killing or killer of a newborn infant killing insect eggs sheep-killing killing of parasites harmful act appearing to be an attempt at suicide killing or killer of one's parents killing of parents or a parent-like close relative killing of one's father killer of partridges killing of pests killing of offspring; killing of the human race flea-killer substance or person who kills rats killing of a monarch killing of rodents killing of old men killing or killer of a snake killing or killer of a sibling substance that kills trees killing of one's own sister destruction of an entire species killing of sperm killing of spores killing of oneself killing of tapeworms killing or killer of a bull killing of trypanosomes killing or killer of a tyrant destruction of a city killing or killer of a bear one who stabs an inflated skin vessel instead of killing someone killing of one's own wife killing or killer of a prophet destroying the meaning of a word killing of worms substance or person who kills wasps killing of viruses; killing of men or of husbands killing of viruses killing of a fox something that kills weeds

love and attraction while this list might seem a bit risqué judging from its title, it's not as bad (or good) as you might think. each of these 114 weird words contains the word element "phil", from ancient greek phileein to love, and so a 'philia' is a special love, affection, attraction or preference for a certain type of thing. from aerophilately - a pastime practiced by few - to zoophily - a pastime hopefully practiced by few, but unfortunately not - if you're a logophile, you'll love this list. incidentally, since "zoophily" is regularly one of the phrontistery's top keywords, a note to any aspiring zoophilists: there's nothing to see here! get out! as for the rest of you, enjoy! to complement this list of philias, you may also find my list of manias to be of interest.word definition aerophilately collecting of air-mail stamps ailurophilia love of cats ammophilous sand-loving; preferring to dwell in sand anemophilous pollinated by wind anglophilia love or fondness for england or the english anthophilous loving or frequenting flowers apodysophilia feverish desire to undress arctophily study of teddy bears astrophile person interested in astronomy audiophile one who loves accurately reproduced recorded sound belonephilia sexual obsession with sharp objects bibliophily love or fondness for books or reading canophilia love or fondness for dogs cartophily the hobby of collecting cigarette cards chasmophilous fond of nooks, crevices and crannies chiropterophilous pollinated or frequented by bats chromophilous staining easily chrysophilist gold-lover clinophilia passion for beds coprophilia abnormal love or fondness for feces cynophilist one who loves dogs dendrophilous fond of trees discophile one who loves and studies sound recordings electrophile substance having an affinity for electrons or negative charge entomophilous adapted for pollination by insects ergophile one who loves work europhile one who loves europe francophile one who loves france or the french gallophile one who loves france or the french geophilous living in or near the ground germanophilia love or fondness for germany or the germans gerontophilia sexual attraction towards the elderly gynotikolobomassophile one who nibbles on women’s earlobes haemophilia hereditary disease causing excesssive bleeding halophilous tolerant of salt or salt-water heliophilous preferring or attracted to the sunlight hippophile lover of horses homophile one who prefers the company of the same sex; a homosexual hydrophilous loving or preferring water hygrophilous preferring or living where there is an abundance of moisture iconophilism a taste for pictures and symbols japanophilia love or admiration for japan or the japanese labeorphily collection and study of beer bottle labels limnophilous living in ponds or marshes

lithophilous living among stones logophile a lover of words lygophilia love of darkness lyophile easily dispersed in a suitable medium malacophilous pollinated by snails myrmecophilous having a symbiotic relationship with ants necrophilia unusual love or sexual attraction for corpses negrophile one who is sympathetic towards black people nemophilist one who loves the woods neophile one who loves novelty and trends nitrophilous flourishing in or preferring locations with abundant nitrogen notaphily collecting of bank-notes and cheques oenophile one who is fond of or loves wine ombrophilous tolerant of large amounts of rainfall ophiophilist snake-lover ornithophilous pollinated by birds paedophilia abnormal love or sexual attraction for children palaeophile antiquarian paraphilia any abnormal sexual attraction peristerophily pigeon-collecting petrophilous living on or thriving in rocky areas philalethist lover of truth philately study of postage stamps philhippic loving or admiring horses phillumeny collecting of matchbox labels philocaly love of beauty philodemic fond of commoners or the lower classes philogyny love of women philomath lover of learning philonoist one who seeks knowledge philopornist lover of prostitutes philotechnical devoted to the arts philotherianism love of animals philoxenia hospitality photophilous preferring or thriving in lighted conditions phytophilous fond of plants pogonophile one who loves beards psammophile sand-loving plant psychrophilic thriving in cold temperatures retrophilia love of things of the past rheophile living or thriving in running water rhizophilous growing or thriving on or near roots russophile one who admires russia or the russians sarcophilous fond of flesh sciophilous thriving in or loving shady conditions scopophilia obtaining sexual pleasure from seeing things scotophilia admiration for scotland or the scots scripophily collection of bond and share certificates sinophile one who admires china or the chinese slavophile one who admires the slavs spermophile member of family of seed-loving rodents stegophilist one who climbs buildings for sport stigmatophilia obsession with tattooing or branding symphily living together for mutual benefit technophile one who is fond of technology thalassophilous living in or fond of the sea

theophile thermophilous timbrophily tobaccophile topophilia toxophily tropophilous turophile typhlophile xenophilia xerophily xylophilous zoophilia zoophily

one who loves or is loved by god preferring or thriving in high temperatures love or fondness for stamps; stamp-collecting one who loves tobacco great love or affection for a particular place love of archery; archery; study of archery flourishing in seasonal extremes of climate cheese lover one who is kind to the blind love of foreigners adaptation to very dry conditions fond of wood; living in or on wood loving or caring for animals; bestiality loving or caring for animals; bestiality

manias and obsessions sometimes, when i look over what i've created in the phrontistery, i start to think i'm more than a bit crazy, and must be suffering from verbomania. still, i probably don't officially have any of the 142 manias or obsessions listed below. some of these mania words represent clinical illnesses, while others are merely facetious. they show the range of unusual and weird things with which one can become obsessed. these words are the ones found in major dictionaries; no doubt there are many others, given that, like phobias, manias are easy to form by taking a root word from latin or greek and affixing the suffix 'mania'. also my word list of types of love and attraction or 'philias', some of which indicate pathological attractions.word definition ablutomania mania for washing oneself aboulomania pathological indecisiveness agromania intense desire to be in open spaces andromania nymphomania anglomania craze or obsession with england and the english anthomania obsession with flowers aphrodisiomania abnormal sexual interest arithmomania obsessive preoccupation with numbers balletomania abnormal fondness for ballet bibliomania craze for books or reading bruxomania compulsion for grinding teeth cacodemomania pathological belief that one is inhabited by an evil spirit catapedamania obsession with jumping from high places chinamania obsession with collecting china choreomania dancing mania or frenzy clinomania excessive desire to stay in bed copromania obsession with feces cytheromania nymphomania dacnomania obsession with killing demonomania pathological belief that one is possessed by demons dinomania mania for dancing dipsomania abnormal craving for alcohol discomania obsession for disco music doramania obsession with owning furs doromania obsession with giving gifts drapetomania intense desire to run away from home dromomania compulsive longing for travel ecdemomania abnormal compulsion for wandering egomania irrational self-centered attitude or self-worship eleutheromania manic desire for freedom empleomania mania for holding public office enosimania pathological belief that one has sinned entheomania abnormal belief that one is divinely inspired epomania craze for writing epics ergasiomania excessive desire to work; ergomania ergomania excessive desire to work; workaholism erotomania abnormally powerful sex drive etheromania craving for ether ethnomania obsessive devotion to one's own people eulogomania obsessive craze for eulogies flagellomania abnormal enthusiasm for flogging florimania craze for flowers francomania craze or obsession with france and the french gallomania craze or obsession with france and the french gamomania obsession with issuing odd marriage proposals

graecomania obsession with greece and the greeks graphomania obsession with writing gynaecomania abnormal sexual obsession with women habromania insanity featuring cheerful delusions hagiomania mania for sainthood hellenomania obsession with greece and the greeks; graecomania hexametromania mania for writing in hexameter hieromania pathological religious visions or delusions hippomania obsession with horses hydromania irrational craving for water hylomania excessive tendency towards materialism hypermania severe mania hypomania minor mania hysteromania nymphomania iconomania obsession with icons or portraits idolomania obsession or devotion to idols infomania excessive devotion to accumulating facts islomania craze or obsession for islands italomania obsession with italy or italians kleptomania irrational predilection for stealing klopemania kleptomania logomania pathological loquacity lypemania extreme pathological mournfulness macromania delusion that objects are larger than natural size megalomania abnormal tendency towards grand or grandiose behaviour melomania craze for music methomania morbid craving for alcohol metromania insatiable desire for writing verse micromania pathological self-deprecation or belief that one is very small monomania abnormal obsession with a single thought or idea morphinomania habitual craving or desire for morphine musomania obsession with music mythomania lying or exaggerating to an abnormal extent narcomania uncontrollable craving for narcotics necromania sexual obsession with dead bodies; necrophilia nosomania delusion of suffering from a disease nostomania abnormal desire to go back to familiar places nymphomania excessive or crazed sexual desire oenomania obsession or craze for wine oligomania obsession with a few thoughts or ideas oniomania mania for making purchases onomamania mania for names onomatomania irresistible desire to repeat certain words onychotillomania compulsive picking at the fingernails opiomania craving for opium opsomania abnormal love for one kind of food orchidomania abnormal obsession with orchids parousiamania obsession with the second coming of christ pathomania moral insanity peotillomania abnormal compulsion for pulling on the penis phagomania excessive desire for food or eating phaneromania habit of biting one’s nails pharmacomania abnormal obsession with trying drugs phonomania pathological tendency to murder photomania pathological desire for light phyllomania excessive or abnormal production of leaves

phytomania obsession with collecting plants planomania abnormal desire to wander and disobey social norms plutomania mania for money polemomania mania for war politicomania mania for politics polkamania craze for polka dancing polymania mania affecting several different mental faculties poriomania abnormal compulsion to wander pornomania obsession with pornography potichomania craze for imitating oriental porcelain potomania abnormal desire to drink alcohol pseudomania irrational predilection for lying pteridomania passion for ferns pyromania craze for starting fires rhinotillexomania compulsive nose picking rinkomania obsession with skating satyromania abnormally great male sexual desire; satyriasis scribbleomania obsession with scribbling sebastomania religious insanity sitiomania morbid aversion to food sophomania delusion that one is incredibly intelligent squandermania irrational propensity for spending money wastefully stampomania obsession with stamp-collecting syphilomania pathological belief that one is afflicted with syphilis technomania craze for technology teutomania obsession with teutonic or german things thanatomania belief that one has been affected by death magic, and resulting illness theatromania craze for going to plays theomania belief that one is a god timbromania craze for stamp collecting tomomania irrational predilection for performing surgery toxicomania morbid craving for poisons trichotillomania neurosis where patient pulls out own hair tulipomania obsession with tulips typhomania delirious state resulting from typhus fever typomania craze for printing one’s lucubrations uranomania obsession with the idea of divinity verbomania craze for words xenomania inordinate attachment to foreign things zoomania insane fondness for animals

names for names when my brother and i were little, our parents used to joke that if one of us had been a girl, they could have named us chris and alice, so that we would be "chris and alice chrisomalis". fortunately for all concerned, they did not do so, because names are very powerful things (here are some more of my thoughts on the subject). anyway, this short and probably incomplete list defines about 40 words relating to names. these words contain the root "nym", which comes from the greek onoma, a name.word definition acronym word formed from initial letters of another word allonym other person's name used by an author ananym name written backward; often used as synonym anonym person whose name is not given; pseudonym antonym word whose meaning is the opposite of a given word aptronym name that suits its owner autonym a writer's real name; work published under writer's own name caconym wrongly derived name cohyponym word which is one of multiple hyponyms of another word cryptonym secret name dionym name containing two parts or terms eponym personal name from which another name is derived euonym a pleasing or beautiful name euonymous appropriately named euphonym euphonious synonym exonym name for a town or country in a foreign language heteronym word having same spelling but different sound and meaning homonym words having the same sound but different meanings hypernym word representing a class of words or things hyponym term which is a member of a larger class isonym word having the same derivation or form as another meronym word whose relation to another is a part to the whole metonymy figurative use of word to name an attribute of its subject metronymy system of naming after the mother's or female line onymous bearing the author’s name paedonymic name taken from one's child paranym euphemism; word whose meaning altered to conceal evasion paronym word from same root or having same sound as another patronym name derived from father's name poecilonym synonym polyonym name consisting of several words pseudonym fictitious name used by an author retronym new name as modification of older term used alone synonym word whose meaning is the same as another word tautonym taxonomic name in which genus and species are the same teknonymy the naming of the parent from the child toponym place name derived from geographical feature trionym name consisting of three words

phobias this is a list that has been stewing on my hard drive for several years, defining 136 phobias, irrational or pathological fears of various things. the reason i've resisted is that someone else has done a far more thorough job than i could ever do, over at the phobia list, where around 530 phobias are listed. however, so many people over the years have asked for a phrontistery phobia list that i've finally capitulated. while the phobia list includes phobias used in medical papers or other printed sources, but not in a major reference dictionary, i strongly recommend it to those interested in phobias. note: i am not an expert on phobias or mental illness. my interest in phobias is strictly limited to words. word definition acarophobia fear of itching or of insects causing itching acrophobia fear of heights aerophobia fear of flying or draughts agoraphobia fear of open spaces agyiophobia fear of crossing busy streets aichmophobia fear of sharp or pointed objects ailurophobia fear of cats algophobia fear of pain amathophobia fear of dust amaxophobia fear of riding in a car ambulophobia fear of walking anglophobia fear of england or the english anthrophobia fear of humans anuptaphobia fear of staying single aquaphobia fear of water arachibutyrophobia fear of peanut butter sticking to roof of mouth arachnophobia fear of spiders astraphobia fear of being struck by lightning astrapophobia fear of thunder and lightning automysophobia fear of being dirty autophobia fear of solitude ballistophobia fear of missiles bathophobia fear of falling from a high place batophobia fear of heights or being close to tall buildings batrachophobia fear of frogs and toads belonephobia fear of pins and needles bibliophobia fear of books blennophobia fear of slime brontophobia fear of thunder and lightning cancerophobia fear of cancer cathisophobia fear of sitting cenophobia fear of empty spaces chrematophobia fear of money cibophobia fear of or distaste for food claustrophobia fear of closed spaces climacophobia fear of falling down stairs clinophobia fear of staying in bed cremnophobia fear of cliffs and precipices cyberphobia fear of computers cynophobia fear of dogs dromophobia fear of crossing streets dysmorphophobia fear of physical deformities

ecophobia fear of home eleutherophobia fear of freedom eosophobia fear of dawn ergasiophobia fear of work ergophobia fear of work erotophobia fear of sex erythrophobia fear of red lights or of blushing euphobia fear of good news francophobia fear of france or the french gallophobia fear of france or the french gamophobia fear of marriage geniophobia fear of chins genophobia fear of sex gerascophobia fear of growing old graphophobia fear of writing gymnophobia fear of nudity heliophobia fear of sunlight herpetophobia fear of snakes hierophobia fear of sacred things homichlophobia fear of fog homophobia fear of homosexuals hydrophobia fear of water hypsophobia fear of high places iatrophobia fear of going to the doctor iconophobia fear or hatred of images kainotophobia fear of change kakorrhaphiophobia fear of failure kenophobia fear of empty spaces ligyrophobia fear of loud noises linonophobia fear of string lygophobia fear of darkness lyssophobia fear of hydrophobia macrophobia fear of prolonged waiting metrophobia fear of poetry monophobia fear of being alone muriphobia fear of mice myophobia fear of mice mysophobia fear of contamination or dirt nebulaphobia fear of fog necrophobia fear of corpses negrophobia fear of blacks neophobia fear of novelty nosophobia fear of disease novercaphobia fear of one's stepmother nyctophobia fear of the night or darkness ochlophobia fear of crowds oenophobia fear or hatred of wine ombrophobia fear of rain onomatophobia fear of hearing a certain word ophidiophobia fear of snakes ophthalmophobia fear of being stared at optophobia fear of opening one’s eyes ornithophobia fear of birds paedophobia fear of children; fear of dolls panophobia melancholia marked by groundless fears pantophobia fear of everything

parthophobia fear of virgins pathophobia fear of disease pediculophobia fear of lice pentheraphobia fear or hatred of one’s mother-in-law phagophobia fear of eating phengophobia fear of daylight phonophobia fear of noise or of speaking aloud photophobia fear of light pogonophobia fear of beards psychrophobia fear of the cold pteronophobia fear of being tickled by feathers pyrophobia fear of fire russophobia fear of russia or russians satanophobia fear of the devil sciaphobia fear of shadows scopophobia fear of being looked at scoptophobia fear of being looked at scotophobia fear of the dark sitiophobia fear of food sitophobia fear of food or eating spectrophobia fear of looking in a mirror symmetrophobia fear of symmetry syphilophobia fear of syphilis taphephobia fear of being buried alive technophobia fear of technology thalassophobia fear of the sea thanatophobia fear of death theophobia fear of god tocophobia fear of pregnancy or childbirth tonitrophobia fear of thunder topophobia fear of performing; fear of certain places toxicophobia fear of poisoning toxiphobia fear of poison or being poisoned triskaidekaphobia fear of the number thirteen uranophobia fear of heaven xenophobia fear of foreigners zelophobia fear of jealousy zoophobia fear of animals

pretenders and dabblers this small set of 21 obscure words consists of nouns used to define minor, inferior, or petty members of various professions. the words end with '-aster', a latin pejorative suffix indicating incomplete resemblance or lesser status. these words are little used today, but in another age were devices of scorn used by the intelligentsia to deride their lesser fellows. with a little creativity, practically any name for a profession can be altered in this way, should you find a desirable object for your contempt. let's hope i don't see too many of them in your e-mails to me!word definition astrologaster a foolish or petty astrologer criticaster inferior or petty critic grammaticaster a piddling grammarian hereticaster a petty or contemptible heretic latinitaster a petty scholar of latin logicaster a petty logician mathematicaster minor or inferior mathematician medicaster quack; charlatan militaster soldier without skill or ability musicaster a mediocre musician opiniaster one who obstinately holds to an opinion parasitaster a mean or sorry parasite philologaster petty or contemptible philologist philosophaster amateur or superficial philosopher poetaster petty poet; writer of contemptible verses politicaster petty politician rhetoricaster petty rhetorician scientaster petty scientist theologaster petty or shallow theologian usageaster self-appointed and conservative language usage expert witticaster a petty or inferior wit

scientific instruments have you ever been in the middle of a class lecture, medical examination or episode of star trek only to realise suddenly that you have no clue what all those gizmos, gadgets and other scientific instruments actually do? if so, your problems are solved. this list defines 418 scientific instruments and technical tools used for viewing, displaying, recording and measuring just about anything you can imagine (and some things you probably can't). most of these words end in "meter" (instruments for measuring), "scope" (instruments for viewing) or "graph" (instruments for displaying and recording).word definition absorptiometer instrument for measuring solubility of gases in liquids accelerometer instrument for measuring acceleration or vibrations acetimeter instrument for measuring strength of vinegar acidimeter instrument for measuring concentration of acids actinograph instrument used to calculate time of photographic exposure actinometer instrument for measuring incident radiation aerometer instrument for measuring weight or density of gas aethrioscope instrument for measuring temperature variations due to sky conditions alcoholometer instrument for measuring proportion of alcohol in solutions alcovinometer instrument to measure strength of wine algometer instrument for measuring sensitivity to pain alkalimeter instrument for measuring strength of alkalines altimeter instrument for measuring altitude ammeter instrument for measuring electrical current anemograph instrument for measuring pressure and velocity of wind anemometer instrument for measuring wind velocity areometer instrument used for measuring specific gravity arthroscope instrument for examining interior of a joint atmometer instrument for measuring evaporating capacity of air audiometer instrument for measuring acuity of hearing auriscope instrument for examining the ear auxanometer instrument for measuring growth of plants auxometer instrument for measuring magnifying power ballistocardiograph instrument for detecting body movements caused by heartbeat barograph instrument for recording air pressure barometer instrument for measuring air pressure baroscope weather-glass bathymeter instrument for recording contours of deep oceans bathythermograph instrument for recording water temperature as compared to depth bolometer instrument for measuring radiant energy or infrared light bronchoscope instrument for examining the windpipe calorimeter instrument for measuring absorbed or evolved heat cardiograph instrument for recording movements of the heart cathetometer instrument for measuring short vertical distances ceilometer instrument for measuring height of cloud ceiling above earth ceraunograph instrument for recording thunder and lightning chlorometer instrument for measuring amount of chlorine in a solution chromatograph instrument for performing chromatographic separations chromatoptometer instrument measuring eyes' sensitivity to colour chronograph instrument for recording the moment of an event chronometer instrument for measuring time chronoscope instrument for measuring very short time intervals clinometer instrument used to measure slopes and elevations coercimeter instrument for measuring coercive force colonoscope instrument for viewing the colon colorimeter instrument for measuring and determining color colposcope instrument for viewing the neck of the uterus

coronagraph instrument for viewing the corona of the sun coulombmeter instrument for measuring electric charge coulometer instrument measuring amount of substance released in electrolysis craniometer instrument for measuring the skull cratometer instrument for measuring power of magnification crescograph instrument for measuring the growth of plants cryometer instrument for measuring low temperatures cryoscope instrument for determining freezing points of substances cyanometer instrument for measuring blueness of the sky or ocean cyclograph instrument for describing arcs of circles without compasses cyclometer instrument for measuring revolutions of a wheel cymograph instrument for tracing the outline of mouldings cymometer instrument for measuring frequency of electrical waves cystoscope instrument for examining the bladder cytometer instrument for counting cells decelerometer instrument for measuring deceleration declinometer instrument for measuring magnetic declination dendrometer instrument for measuring trees densimeter instrument for measuring closeness of grain of a substance densitometer instrument for measuring optical or photographic density diagometer instrument for measuring electrical conductivity diagraph instrument for enlarging or projecting drawings diaphanometer instrument for measuring the transparency of air dichroscope instrument for examining crystals for dichroism diffractometer instrument for determining structure of crystal through light diffraction dilatometer instrument for measuring expansion dioptometer instrument for measuring focus or refraction of the eyes dipleidoscope instrument for measuring moment when an object passes a meridian diplograph instrument for writing two lines of text at once dosimeter instrument for measuring dose of radiation dromometer instrument for measuring speed drosometer instrument for measuring dew durometer instrument for measuring hardness of substances dynamograph instrument for recording mechanical forces dynamometer instrument for measuring mechanical force ebullioscope instrument for measuring boiling point of liquids effusiometer instrument for comparing molecular weights of gases eidograph instrument for copying drawings elatrometer instrument for measuring gaseous pressure electrocardiograph instrument for recording unusual electrical fluctuations of the heart electrodynamometer instrument for measuring electrical current electroencephalograph instrument for measuring the brain's electrical impulses electrograph instrument for recording electrical potential electrometer instrument for measuring electrical potential electromyograph instrument for diagnosing neuromuscular disorders electroretinograph instrument for measuring electrical activity in the retina electroscope instrument for detecting electrical charges in the body ellipsograph instrument for describing ellipses encephalograph instrument for recording brain images endoscope instrument for visualizing interior of a hollow organ endosmometer instrument for measuring osmosis into a solution epidiascope instrument for projecting images of objects episcope instrument for projecting images of opaque objects ergograph instrument for measuring and recording muscular work ergometer instrument for measuring work performed eriometer instrument for measuring very small diameters

eudiometer instrument for measuring air purity evaporimeter instrument for measuring rate of evaporation extensometer instrument for measuring deformation in object due to forces applied fathometer instrument for measuring underwater depth using sound fiberscope instrument using fiberoptics to examine inaccessible areas floriscope instrument for inspecting flowers flowmeter instrument for measuring properties of flowing liquids fluorimeter instrument for measuring fluorescence fluoroscope instrument using x-rays to examine internal structure of opaque object focimeter instrument for measuring focal length of a lens galactometer instrument for measuring specific gravity of milk galvanometer instrument for measuring electrical current galvanoscope instrument for detecting presence and direction of electric current gasometer instrument for holding and measuring gases gastroscope instrument for examining interior of the stomach geothermometer instrument for measuring subterranean temperatures goniometer instrument for measuring angles between faces gradiometer instrument for measuring gradient of a physical quantity gravimeter instrument for measuring variations in gravitational fields gyrograph instrument for counting a wheel's revolutions haptometer instrument measuring sensitivity to touch harmonograph instrument drawing curves representing vibrations harmonometer instrument measuring harmonic relations of sounds helicograph instrument for drawing spirals on a plane heliograph instrument for measuring intensity of sunlight heliometer instrument for measuring apparent diameter of the sun helioscope instrument for observing sun without injury to the eyes hemacytometer instrument for counting blood cells hippometer instrument to measure height of horses hodoscope instrument for tracing paths of ionizing particles hydrometer instrument for measuring specific gravity of liquids hydroscope instrument for viewing under water hydrotimeter instrument for measuring water hardness hyetograph instrument for recording rainfall hyetometer instrument for measuring rainfall hyetometrograph instrument for recording rainfall hygrograph instrument for recording variations in atmospheric humidity hygrometer instrument for measuring air moisture hygroscope instrument for displaying changes in air humidity hypsometer instrument for measuring height of trees through triangulation iconometer instrument for finding size of object by measuring its image idiometer instrument for measuring motion of observer in relation to transit of the heavens inclinometer instrument for measuring inclination to the horizontal of an axis interferometer instrument for analysing spectra of light iriscope instrument for exhibiting the prismatic colours katathermometer instrument for measuring the cooling power of air katharometer instrument measuring changes in composition of gases keratometer instrument for measuring curvature of the cornea keraunograph instrument for recording distant thunderstorms kinetoscope instrument for producing curves by combination of circular movements konimeter instrument measuring amount of dust in air koniscope instrument for measuring dust in air kymograph instrument for recording fluid pressure labidometer instrument for measuring size of the head of a fetus lactometer instrument for testing relative density of milk lactoscope instrument for measuring purity or richness of milk

lanameter instrument for measuring quality of wool laparoscope instrument for viewing interior of peritoneal cavity laryngoscope instrument for examining interior of the larynx leptometer instrument for measuring oil viscosity loxodograph device used to record ship's travels lucimeter instrument for measuring light intensity luxmeter instrument for measuring illumination lysimeter instrument for measuring percolation of water through soil magnetograph instrument for recording measurements of magnetic fields magnetometer instrument for measuring intensity of magnetic fields manometer instrument for measuring pressure of a liquid or gas marigraph instrument for recording tide levels mecometer instrument for measuring length megameter instrument for determining longitude by observing stars megascope instrument for projecting an enlarged image mekometer range-finder meldometer instrument for measuring melting points of substances meteorograph instrument recording a variety of meteorological observations methanometer instrument for detecting presence of methane microbarograph instrument for recording minute changes in atmospheric pressure microcalorimeter instrument for measuring tiny quantities of heat micrograph instrument used to write on a very small scale micrometer instrument for measuring very small distances micronometer instrument for measuring short periods of time microscope instrument for magnifying small objects microseismograph instrument for recording small or distant earthquakes microseismometer instrument for measuring small or distant earthquakes mileometer instrument for recording distance travelled in miles milliammeter instrument for recording very small electrical currents myograph instrument for recording muscular contractions myringoscope instrument for viewing the eardrum nephelometer instrument for measuring cloudiness nephograph instrument for photographing clouds nephoscope instrument for observing direction and velocity of clouds nitrometer instrument for measuring nitrogen and its compounds odograph odometer; instrument for measuring distance travelled odometer instrument for measuring distance travelled odontograph instrument for obtaining curves for gear-teeth oenometer instrument for measuring alcoholic strength of wine ohmmeter instrument for measuring electrical resistance oleometer instrument for measuring amount of oil in a substance olfactometer instrument measuring intensity of odour of a substance ombrometer rain-gauge oncometer instrument measuring change in size of internal organs oncosimeter instrument measuring variations in density of molten metal ondograph instrument measuring change in wave formations of electricity oometer instrument for measuring eggs opacimeter instrument for measuring opacity opeidoscope instrument for illustrating sound by means of light ophthalmometer instrument for measuring the eye ophthalmoscope instrument for viewing the interior of the eye opisometer instrument for measuring curved lines opsiometer instrument for testing vision optometer instrument for testing vision orchidometer instrument for measuring the size of the testicles oscillograph instrument for recording alternating current wave forms

oscillometer instrument for measuring ship's rollings oscilloscope instrument for detecting electrical fluctuations osmometer instrument for measuring osmotic pressure otoscope instrument for examining the ear pachymeter instrument for measuring small thicknesses pallograph instrument measuring ship's vibration pantochronometer combined sundial and compass pantograph instrument for copying drawing to a different scale passimeter instrument for issuing automatic tickets pedometer instrument for measuring distance travelled on foot peirameter instrument measuring resistance of road surfaces to wheel movement pelvimeter instrument for measuring the pelvis penetrometer instrument for measuring firmness or consistency of substances permeameter instrument for measuring permeability phacometer instrument for measuring lenses phaometer old instrument for measuring light intensity pharmacometer instrument for measuring drugs pharyngoscope instrument for inspecting the pharynx phonautograph instrument for recording sound vibrations phonendoscope device which amplifies small sounds phonometer instrument for measuring sound levels phorometer instrument used to correct abnormalities in eye muscles photometer instrument for measuring light intensity photopolarimeter instrument for measuring intensity and polarization of reflected light phototachometer instrument for measuring the speed of light phototelegraph instrument for transmitting drawings telegraphically phthongometer instrument measuring intensity of vowel sounds piezometer instrument for measuring pressure or compressibility pitchometer instrument for measuring angles of ship's propeller blades planigraph instrument for copying drawings at a different scale planimeter instrument for measuring area of plane figures platometer instrument for measuring area; planimeter plegometer instrument for measuring the strength of a blow plemyrameter instrument for measuring variations in water level plethysmograph instrument for measuring change in body part size due to blood flow pluviograph self-registering rain gauge pluviometer rain-meter pneometer instrument that measures respiration pneumatometer instrument for measuring quantity of air breathed pneumograph instrument for measuring and recording respiration polarimeter instrument for measuring polarised light polariscope instrument for detecting polarized light polygraph instrument for measuring small changes in pulse and respiration porometer instrument for measuring degree of porosity poroscope instrument for investigating porosity potentiometer instrument for measuring electromotive forces potometer instrument measuring rate at which plants absorb water prisoptometer instrument for measuring degree of astigmatism proctoscope instrument for examining the rectum psophometer instrument measuring audible interference of electrical current psychograph instrument that supposedly records spirit messages psychrometer instrument for measuring air moisture or temperature psychrometer instrument for measuring dryness of the atmosphere pulsimeter instrument for measuring the pulse pycnometer instrument for measuring specific gravity or density pyknometer instrument for measuring specific gravities

pyranometer instrument measuring solar radiation from the sky's whole hemisphere pyrgeometer instrument for measuring radiation from earth pyrheliometer instrument for measuring heating effect of sun pyrometer instrument for measuring very high temperatures pyroscope instrument for measuring intensity of radiant heat qualimeter apparatus for measuring penetrating power of x-ray beams quantimeter apparatus for measuring quantity of x-rays quantometer instrument for measuring proportions of elements in metallic samples rachiometer instrument for measuring the spine radarscope instrument for detecting radar signals radiogoniometer instrument for finding direction through radio signals radiometeorograph instrument for measuring atmospheric conditions at high altitude radiometer instrument measuring radiation energy radioscope instrument for viewing objects using x-rays ratemeter instrument for measuring counting rate of electronic counters recipiangle old instrument with two arms used for measuring angles reflectometer instrument for measuring reflectance of radiant energy refractometer instrument measuring refraction of light respirometer instrument for measuring and studying respiration retinoscope instrument for measuring and viewing the retina rheometer instrument that measures current rhinoscope instrument for examining the nose rhythmometer instrument for measuring speed of rhythms riometer instrument for measuring absorbed cosmic radio waves rotameter old instrument for measuring length of curved lines rotameter instrument consisting of glass tube with free float for measuring liquid flow saccharimeter instrument for measuring amount of sugar in a solution salinometer instrument for measuring amount of salt in a solution scintillometer instrument measuring scintillation of star scintilloscope instrument for measuring gamma rays emitted by a radioactive body sclerometer instrument measuring hardness scoliometer instrument measuring curvature scotograph instrument for writing without seeing scotoscope instrument for detecting objects in darkness seismograph instrument for recording earthquakes seismometer instrument for measuring earthquake intensity seismoscope instrument for detecting earthquakes selenoscope instrument for viewing the moon sensitometer instrument for measuring sensitivity of photographic material sepometer instrument for measuring septic matter in the air serimeter instrument for testing quality of silk shuftiscope instrument used to explore interior of dysentery case siccimeter instrument for measuring liquid evaporation sideroscope instrument using magnets to detect presence of iron sigmoidoscope instrument for examining the interior of the rectum and sigmoid colon sillometer instrument measuring speed of ship skiascope instrument for measuring eye's refraction from movement of shadows snooperscope instrument for viewing infrared radiation solarimeter instrument for measuring solar radiation sonograph instrument for recording and analysing sound spectrofluorimeter instrument for measuring and recording fluorescence spectra spectrograph instrument for viewing a spectrum spectroheliograph instrument for taking pictures of the sun spectroheliokinematograph camera for taking pictures of the sun spectrohelioscope instrument for viewing solar disc in light of a single wavelength spectrometer instrument measuring wavelengths of light of a spectrum

spectrophotometer instrument for measuring speed of different parts of light spectrum spectroscope instrument for forming spectra by dispersing rays of light speedometer instrument for measuring velocity spherometer instrument measuring curvature sphygmograph instrument for recording pulse sphygmomanometer instrument for measuring arterial blood pressure sphygmometer instrument for measuring arterial blood pressure sphygmoscope instrument for making arterial pulsations visible spinthariscope instrument for visually detecting alpha particles spirograph instrument recording movements of breathing spirometer instrument measuring lung capacity stactometer pipette with hollow bulb for counting drops stadiometer instrument for measuring the length of a curved line stagmometer instrument for measuring number of drops in volume of liquid stalagmometer instrument for measuring surface tension by drops statoscope instrument for measuring small changes in atmospheric pressure stauroscope instrument for studying structure of crystals with polarised light stenometer instrument for measuring distances stereometer instrument for measuring specific gravity stereoscope instrument for viewing special three-dimensional photographs stethometer instrument measuring chest expansion during breathing stethoscope instrument for detecting sounds produced by the body strabismometer instrument measuring degree of squinting strabometer instrument for measuring strabismus in the eyes stroboscope instrument for studying motion using flashes of light stylometer instrument for measuring columns swingometer instrument for measuring swing in votes during an election sympiesometer instrument for measuring pressure of a current synchroscope instrument for detecting whether two moving parts are synchronized tacheometer instrument for rapidly measuring survey points on a map tachistoscope instrument for rapidly showing images on a screen to test perception tachograph instrument for recording speed of rotation tachometer instrument for measuring speed of rotation taseometer instrument for measuring stress in a structure tasimeter instrument for measuring changes in pressure taximeter instrument for measuring fee for hired vehicle telemeter instrument for measuring strain or distance from observer telescope instrument for viewing objects at great distances telespectroscope instrument for analysing radiation omitted by distant bodies telestereoscope instrument for viewing distant objects stereoscopically tellurometer instrument using microwaves to measure distance tenderometer instrument for measuring tenderness of fruits and vegetables tensimeter instrument for measuring vapour pressure tensiometer instrument for measuring tension thalassometer instrument for measuring tides thermograph instrument for recording changes in temperature thermometer instrument for measuring temperature thermometrograph instrument for recording changes in temperature thermoscope instrument indicating change in temperature thoracoscope instrument for viewing the thorax and chest wall tiltmeter instrument for measuring tilting of earth's surface tocodynamometer instrument for measuring uterine contractions during childbirth tomograph instrument for viewing section of an object using x-rays tonometer instrument measuring pitch of musical tones topophone instrument to determine direction and distance of a fog-horn torsiograph instrument for recording torsional vibrations on an object

transmissometer instrument for measuring transmission of light through a fluid trechometer instrument for determining distance travelled; odometer tremograph instrument for recording involuntary muscular motion tribometer instrument measuring friction trigonometer instrument for solving triangles trocheameter instrument counting wheel's revolutions tromometer instrument for measuring slight earthquake shocks tropometer instrument measuring rotation turbidimeter instrument for measuring turbidity of liquids turgometer instrument for measuring turgidity typhlograph instrument to help the blind write clearly udometer instrument for measuring rainfall ultramicroscope instrument for viewing extremely small objects urethroscope instrument for viewing the interior of the urethra urinometer instrument for measuring specific gravity of urine vaporimeter instrument for measuring vapour pressure variometer instrument for measuring magnetic declination velocimeter instrument for measuring velocity velometer instrument for measuring speed of air viameter instrument for measuring revolutions of a wheel vibrograph instrument for recording vibrations vibrometer instrument for measuring vibrations viscometer instrument for measuring viscosity visometer instrument for measuring focal length of the eye voltameter instrument for measuring electrical current indirectly voltmeter instrument for measuring electrical potential volumenometer instrument for measuring volume of a solid volumeter instrument for measuring volume of a liquid or gas wattmeter instrument for measuring electrical power wavemeter instrument for measuring wavelengths weatherometer instrument for measuring weather-resisting properties of paint xanthometer instrument for measuring colour of sea or lake water xylometer instrument measuring specific gravity of wood zymometer instrument for measuring fermentation zymosimeter instrument for measuring fermentation

sciences and studies this list defines 633 sciences, arts and studies of various degrees of respectability and rarity, ranging from the common and esteemed (chemistry) to the obscure and quirky (peristerophily). over the past century, the range and scope of scientific endeavours has expanded exponentially, so that practically any field of study has a name associated with it. most of these terms end in 'ology', from the greek logos, meaning 'word'. word definition acarology study of mites accidence grammar book; science of inflections in grammar aceology therapeutics acology study of medical remedies acoustics science of sound adenology study of glands aedoeology science of generative organs aerobiology study of airborne organisms aerodonetics science or study of gliding aerodynamics dynamics of gases; science of movement in a flow of air or gas aerolithology study of aerolites; meteorites aerology study of the atmosphere aeronautics study of navigation through air or space aerophilately collecting of air-mail stamps aerostatics science of air pressure; art of ballooning agonistics art and theory of prize-fighting agriology the comparative study of primitive peoples agrobiology study of plant nutrition; soil yields agrology study of agricultural soils agronomics study of productivity of land agrostology science or study of grasses alethiology study of truth algedonics science of pleasure and pain algology study of algae anaesthesiology study of anaesthetics anaglyptics art of carving in bas-relief anagraphy art of constructing catalogues anatomy study of the structure of the body andragogy science of teaching adults anemology study of winds angelology study of angels angiology study of blood flow and lymphatic system anthropobiology study of human biology anthropology study of human cultures aphnology science of wealth apiology study of bees arachnology study of spiders archaeology study of human material remains archelogy the study of first principles archology science of the origins of government arctophily study of teddy bears areology study of mars aretaics the science of virtue aristology the science or art of dining arthrology study of joints astacology the science of crayfish astheniology study of diseases of weakening and aging astrogeology study of extraterrestrial geology astrology study of influence of stars on people

astrometeorology study of effect of stars on climate astronomy study of celestial bodies astrophysics study of behaviour of interstellar matter astroseismology study of star oscillations atmology the science of aqueous vapour audiology study of hearing autecology study of ecology of one species autology scientific study of oneself auxology science of growth avionics the science of electronic devices for aircraft axiology the science of the ultimate nature of values bacteriology study of bacteria balneology the science of the therapeutic use of baths barodynamics science of the support and mechanics of bridges barology study of gravitation batology the study of brambles bibliology study of books bibliotics study of documents to determine authenticity bioecology study of interaction of life in the environment biology study of life biometrics study of biological measurement bionomics study of organisms interacting in their environments botany study of plants bromatology study of food brontology scientific study of thunder bryology the study of mosses and liverworts cacogenics study of racial degeneration caliology study of bird's nests calorifics study of heat cambistry science of international exchange campanology the art of bell ringing carcinology study of crabs and other crustaceans cardiology study of the heart caricology study of sedges carpology study of fruit cartography the science of making maps and globes cartophily the hobby of collecting cigarette cards castrametation the art of designing a camp catacoustics science of echoes or reflected sounds catalactics science of commercial exchange catechectics the art of teaching by question and answer cetology study of whales and dolphins chalcography the art of engraving on copper or brass chalcotriptics art of taking rubbings from ornamental brasses chaology the study of chaos or chaos theory characterology study of development of character chemistry study of properties of substances chirocosmetics beautifying the hands; art of manicure chirography study of handwriting or penmanship chirology study of the hands chiropody medical science of feet chorology science of the geographic description of anything chrematistics the study of wealth; political economy chronobiology study of biological rhythms chrysology study of precious metals ciselure the art of chasing metal

climatology study of climate clinology study of aging or individual decline after maturity codicology study of manuscripts coleopterology study of beetles and weevils cometology study of comets conchology study of shells coprology study of pornography cosmetology study of cosmetics cosmology study of the universe craniology study of the skull criminology study of crime; criminals cryobiology study of life under cold conditions cryptology study of codes cryptozoology study of animals for whose existence there is no conclusive proof ctetology study of the inheritance of acquired characteristics cynology scientific study of dogs cytology study of living cells dactyliology study of rings dactylography the study of fingerprints dactylology study of sign language deltiology the collection and study of picture postcards demology study of human behaviour demonology study of demons dendrochronology study of tree rings dendrology study of trees deontology the theory or study of moral obligation dermatoglyphics the study of skin patterns and fingerprints dermatology study of skin desmology study of ligaments diabology study of devils diagraphics art of making diagrams or drawings dialectology study of dialects dioptrics study of light refraction diplomatics science of deciphering ancient writings and texts diplomatology study of diplomats docimology the art of assaying dosiology the study of doses dramaturgy art of producing and staging dramatic works dysgenics the study of racial degeneration dysteleology study of purposeless organs ecclesiology study of church affairs eccrinology study of excretion ecology study of environment economics study of material wealth edaphology study of soils egyptology study of ancient egypt ekistics study of human settlement electrochemistry study of relations between electricity and chemicals electrology study of electricity electrostatics study of static electricity embryology study of embryos emetology study of vomiting emmenology the study of menstruation endemiology study of local diseases endocrinology study of glands enigmatology study of enigmas

entomology study of insects entozoology study of parasites that live inside larger organisms enzymology study of enzymes ephebiatrics branch of medicine dealing with adolescence epidemiology study of diseases; epidemics epileptology study of epilepsy epistemology study of grounds of knowledge eremology study of deserts ergology study of effects of work on humans ergonomics study of people at work escapology study of freeing oneself from constraints eschatology study of death; final matters ethnogeny study of origins of races or ethnic groups ethnology study of cultures ethnomethodology study of everyday communication ethnomusicology study of comparative musical systems ethology study of natural or biological character ethonomics study of economic and ethical principles of a society etiology the science of causes; especially of disease etymology study of origins of words euthenics science concerned with improving living conditions exobiology study of extraterrestrial life floristry the art of cultivating and selling flowers fluviology study of watercourses folkloristics study of folklore and fables futurology study of future garbology study of garbage gastroenterology study of stomach; intestines gastronomy study of fine dining gemmology study of gems and jewels genealogy study of descent of families genesiology study of reproduction and heredity genethlialogy the art of casting horoscopes geochemistry study of chemistry of the earth's crust geochronology study of measuring geological time geogeny science of the formation of the earth's crust geogony study of formation of the earth geography study of surface of the earth and its inhabitants geology study of earth's crust geomorphogeny study of the origins of land forms geoponics study of agriculture geotechnics study of increasing habitability of the earth geratology study of decadence and decay gerocomy study of old age gerontology study of the elderly; aging gigantology study of giants glaciology study of ice ages and glaciation glossology study of language; study of the tongue glyptography the art of engraving on gems glyptology study of gem engravings gnomonics the art of measuring time using sundials gnosiology study of knowledge; philosophy of knowledge gnotobiology study of life in germ-free conditions graminology study of grasses grammatology study of systems of writing graphemics study of systems of representing speech in writing

graphology study of handwriting gromatics science of surveying gynaecology study of women’s physiology gyrostatics the study of rotating bodies haemataulics study of movement of blood through blood vessels hagiology study of saints halieutics study of fishing hamartiology study of sin harmonics study of musical acoustics hedonics part of ethics or psychology dealing with pleasure helcology study of ulcers heliology science of the sun helioseismology study of sun's interior by observing its surface oscillations helminthology study of worms hematology study of blood heortology study of religious feasts hepatology study of liver heraldry study of coats of arms heresiology study of heresies herpetology study of reptiles and amphibians hierology science of sacred matters hippiatrics study of diseases of horses hippology the study of horses histology study of the tissues of organisms histopathology study of changes in tissue due to disease historiography study of writing history historiology study of history homiletics the art of preaching hoplology the study of weapons horography art of constructing sundials or clocks horology science of time measurement horticulture study of gardening hydrobiology study of aquatic organisms hydrodynamics study of movement in liquids hydrogeology study of ground water hydrography study of investigating bodies of water hydrokinetics study of motion of fluids hydrology study of water resources hydrometeorology study of atmospheric moisture hydropathy study of treating diseases with water hyetology science of rainfall hygiastics science of health and hygiene hygienics study of sanitation; health hygiology hygienics; study of cleanliness hygrology study of humidity hygrometry science of humidity hymnography study of writing hymns hymnology study of hymns hypnology study of sleep; study of hypnosis hypsography science of measuring heights iamatology study of remedies iatrology treatise or text on medical topics; study of medicine iatromathematics archaic practice of medicine in conjunction with astrology ichnography art of drawing ground plans; a ground plan ichnology science of fossilized footprints ichthyology study of fish

iconography study of drawing symbols iconology study of icons; symbols ideogeny study of origins of ideas ideology science of ideas; system of ideas used to justify behaviour idiomology study of idiom, jargon or dialect idiopsychology psychology of one's own mind immunogenetics study of genetic characteristics of immunity immunology study of immunity immunopathology study of immunity to disease insectology study of insects irenology the study of peace iridology study of the iris; diagnosis of disease based on the iris of the eye kalology study of beauty karyology study of cell nuclei kidology study of kidding kinematics study of motion kinesics study of gestural communication kinesiology study of human movement and posture kinetics study of forces producing or changing motion koniology study of atmospheric pollutants and dust ktenology science of putting people to death kymatology study of wave motion labeorphily collection and study of beer bottle labels larithmics study of population statistics laryngology study of larynx lepidopterology study of butterflies and moths leprology study of leprosy lexicology study of words and their meanings lexigraphy art of definition of words lichenology study of lichens limacology study of slugs limnobiology study of freshwater ecosystems limnology study of bodies of fresh water linguistics study of language lithology study of rocks liturgiology study of liturgical forms and church rituals loimology study of plagues and epidemics loxodromy study of sailing along rhumb-lines magirics art of cookery magnanerie art of raising silkworms magnetics study of magnetism malacology study of molluscs malariology study of malaria mammalogy study of mammals manège the art of horsemanship mariology study of the virgin mary martyrology study of martyrs mastology study of mammals mathematics study of magnitude, number, and forms mazology mammalogy; study of mammals mechanics study of action of force on bodies meconology study of or treatise concerning opium melittology study of bees mereology study of part-whole relationships mesology ecology metallogeny study of the origin and distribution of metal deposits

metallography study of the structure and constitution of metals metallurgy study of alloying and treating metals metaphysics study of principles of nature and thought metapolitics study of politics in theory or abstract metapsychology study of nature of the mind meteoritics the study of meteors meteorology study of weather metrics study of versification metrology science of weights and measures microanatomy study of microscopic tissues microbiology study of microscopic organisms microclimatology study of local climates micrology study or discussion of trivialities micropalaeontology study of microscopic fossils microphytology study of very small plant life microscopy study of minute objects mineralogy study of minerals molinology study of mills and milling momilogy study of mummies morphology study of forms and the development of structures muscology the study of mosses museology the study of museums musicology study of music mycology study of funguses myology study of muscles myrmecology study of ants mythology study of myths; fables; tales naology study of church or temple architecture nasology study of the nose nautics art of navigation nematology the study of nematodes neonatology study of newborn babies neossology study of nestling birds nephology study of clouds nephrology study of the kidneys neurobiology study of anatomy of the nervous system neurology study of nervous system neuropsychology study of relation between brain and behaviour neurypnology study of hypnotism neutrosophy study of the origin and nature of philosophical neutralities nidology study of nests nomology the science of the laws; especially of the mind noology science of the intellect nosology study of diseases nostology study of senility notaphily collecting of bank-notes and cheques numerology study of numbers numismatics study of coins nymphology study of nymphs obstetrics study of midwifery oceanography study of oceans oceanology study of oceans odology science of the hypothetical mystical force of od odontology study of teeth oenology study of wines oikology science of housekeeping

olfactology study of the sense of smell ombrology study of rain oncology study of tumours oneirology study of dreams onomasiology study of nomenclature onomastics study of proper names ontology science of pure being; the nature of things oology study of eggs ophiology study of snakes ophthalmology study of eye diseases optics study of light optology study of sight optometry science of examining the eyes orchidology study of orchids ornithology study of birds orology study of mountains orthoepy study of correct pronunciation orthography study of spelling orthopterology study of cockroaches oryctology mineralogy or paleontology osmics scientific study of smells osmology study of smells and olfactory processes osphresiology study of the sense of smell osteology study of bones otology study of the ear otorhinolaryngology study of ear, nose and throat paedology study of children paedotrophy art of rearing children paidonosology study of children's diseases; pediatrics palaeoanthropology study of early humans palaeobiology study of fossil plants and animals palaeoclimatology study of ancient climates palaeolimnology study of ancient fish palaeolimnology study of ancient lakes palaeontology study of fossils palaeopedology study of early soils paleobotany study of ancient plants paleo-osteology study of ancient bones palynology study of pollen papyrology study of paper parapsychology study of unexplained mental phenomena parasitology study of parasites paroemiology study of proverbs parthenology study of virgins pataphysics the science of imaginary solutions pathology study of disease patrology study of early christianity pedagogics study of teaching pedology study of soils pelology study of mud penology study of crime and punishment periodontics study of gums peristerophily pigeon-collecting pestology science of pests petrology study of rocks pharmacognosy study of drugs of animal and plant origin

pharmacology study of drugs pharology study of lighthouses pharyngology study of the throat phenology study of organisms as affected by climate phenomenology study of phenomena philately study of postage stamps philematology the act or study of kissing phillumeny collecting of matchbox labels philology study of ancient texts; historical linguistics philosophy science of knowledge or wisdom phoniatrics study and correction of speech defects phonology study of speech sounds photobiology study of effects of light on organisms phraseology study of phrases phrenology study of bumps on the head phycology study of algae and seaweeds physics study of properties of matter and energy physiology study of processes of life phytology study of plants; botany piscatology study of fishes pisteology science or study of faith planetology study of planets plutology political economy; study of wealth pneumatics study of mechanics of gases podiatry study and treatment of disorders of the foot; chiropody podology study of the feet polemology study of war pomology study of fruit-growing posology science of quantity or dosage potamology study of rivers praxeology study of practical or efficient activity; science of efficient action primatology study of primates proctology study of rectum prosody study of versification protistology study of protists proxemics study of man’s need for personal space psalligraphy the art of paper-cutting to make pictures psephology study of election results and voting trends pseudology art or science of lying pseudoptics study of optical illusions psychobiology study of biology of the mind psychogenetics study of internal or mental states psychognosy study of mentality, personality or character psychology study of mind psychopathology study of mental illness psychophysics study of link between mental and physical processes pteridology study of ferns pterylology study of distribution of feathers on birds pyretology study of fevers pyrgology study of towers pyroballogy study of artillery pyrography study of woodburning quinology study of quinine raciology study of racial differences radiology study of x-rays and their medical applications reflexology study of reflexes

rhabdology knowledge or learning concerning divining rods rhabdology art of calculating using numbering rods rheology science of the deformation or flow of matter rheumatology study of rheumatism rhinology study of the nose rhochrematics science of inventory management and the movement of products runology study of runes sarcology study of fleshy parts of the body satanology study of the devil scatology study of excrement or obscene literature schematonics art of using gesture to express tones sciagraphy art of shading scripophily collection of bond and share certificates sedimentology study of sediment seismology study of earthquakes selenodesy study of the shape and features of the moon selenology study of the moon semantics study of meaning semantology science of meanings of words semasiology study of meaning; semantics semiology study of signs and signals semiotics study of signs and symbols serology study of serums sexology study of sexual behaviour siderography art of engraving on steel sigillography study of seals significs science of meaning silvics study of tree's life sindonology study of the shroud of turin sinology study of china sitology dietetics sociobiology study of biological basis of human behaviour sociology study of society somatology science of the properties of matter sophiology science of ideas soteriology study of theological salvation spectrology study of ghosts spectroscopy study of spectra speleology study and exploration of caves spermology study of seeds sphagnology study of peat moss sphragistics study of seals and signets sphygmology study of the pulse splanchnology study of the entrails or viscera spongology study of sponges stasiology study of political parties statics study of bodies and forces in equilibrium stemmatology study of relationships between texts stoichiology science of elements of animal tissues stomatology study of the mouth storiology study of folk tales stratigraphy study of geological layers or strata stratography art of leading an army stylometry studying literature by means of statistical analysis suicidology study of suicide symbology study of symbols

symptomatology study of symptoms of illness synecology study of ecological communities synectics study of processes of invention syntax study of sentence structure syphilology study of syphilis systematology study of systems taxidermy art of curing and stuffing animals tectonics science of structure of objects, buildings and landforms tegestology study and collecting of beer mats teleology study of final causes; analysis in terms of purpose telmatology study of swamps teratology study of monsters, freaks, abnormal growths or malformations teuthology study of cephalopods textology study of the production of texts thalassography science of the sea thanatology study of death and its customs thaumatology study of miracles theology study of religion; religious doctrine theriatrics veterinary medicine theriogenology study of animals' reproductive systems thermodynamics study of relation of heat to motion thermokinematics study of motion of heat thermology study of heat therology study of wild mammals thremmatology science of breeding domestic animals and plants threpsology science of nutrition tidology study of tides timbrology study of postage stamps tocology obstetrics; midwifery tonetics study of pronunciation topology study of places and their natural features toponymics study of place-names toreutics study of artistic work in metal toxicology study of poisons toxophily love of archery; archery; study of archery traumatology study of wounds and their effects tribology study of friction and wear between surfaces trichology study of hair and its disorders trophology study of nutrition tsiganology study of gypsies turnery art of turning in a lathe typhlology study of blindness and the blind typography art of printing or using type typology study of types of things ufology study of alien spacecraft uranography descriptive astronomy and mapping uranology study of the heavens; astronomy urbanology study of cities urenology study of rust molds urology study of urine; urinary tract venereology study of venereal disease vermeology study of worms vexillology study of flags victimology study of victims vinology scientific study of vines and winemaking virology study of viruses

vitrics glassy materials; glassware; study of glassware volcanology study of volcanoes vulcanology study of volcanoes xylography art of engraving on wood xylology study of wood zenography study of the planet jupiter zoiatrics veterinary surgery zooarchaeology study of animal remains of archaeological sites zoochemistry chemistry of animals zoogeography study of geographic distribution of animals zoogeology study of fossil animal remains zoology study of animals zoonomy animal physiology zoonosology study of animal diseases zoopathology study of animal diseases zoophysics physics of animal bodies zoophysiology study of physiology of animals zoophytology study of plant-like animals zoosemiotics study of animal communication zootaxy science of classifying animals zootechnics science of breeding animals zygology science of joining and fastening zymology science of fermentation zymurgy branch of chemistry dealing with brewing and distilling

styles of speech here we have 54 words referring to manners or styles of speaking, words that use the suffix '-loquent', '-loquence', or '-loquy', from latin loqui (to speak). while in an age of text-messaging, public speaking has lost its once-vaunted status as a communication medium, as long as people meet face to face, others will judge them on their manner of speech. as a university instructor, i know only too well the perils of many of these words. one of my (friendly) rival word lists online and a favourite site of mine is the grandiloquent dictionary. curiously, many '-loquence'-suffixed words are lost words, and thus cannot be included here.word definition alieniloquy speech on subjects other than the matter at hand; off-topic speech alloquy speaking to another or many others; an address altiloquence pompous or high speech ambiloquous using dubious or ambiguous expressions amphoriloquy cavernous voice of a patient heard over a patient's lung cavity anteloquy a preface antiloquy speaking against some idea; contradicting or gainsaying biloquist one capable of speaking with two distinct voices blandiloquence complimentary speech; flattery blesiloquent speaking with a stammer or lisp breviloquence short-windedness; tendency towards brevity in speech caverniloquy cavernous voice of a patient heard over a patient's lung cavity centiloquy work consisting of one hundred aphorisms, attributed to ptolemy colloquy speaking together; mutual discourse dentiloquent speaking with clenched teeth diversiloquent speaking in different ways; speaking on different subjects doctiloquent speaking learnedly dulciloquent speaking sweetly eloquence forceful and appealing speech falsiloquence deceitful speech fatiloquent speaking prophetically; declaring fate flexiloquent speaking ambiguously or using words of doubtful meaning gastriloquist ventriloquist grandiloquent bombastic inaniloquent prone to foolish or empty babbling ineloquence unappealing speech largiloquent talkative; full of words longiloquence long-winded language loquence speech magniloquent speaking in a grand or pompous style melliloquent speaking harmoniously or sweetly mendaciloquence lying speech multiloquence talkativeness; use of many words obloquy censure; calumny; slander; disgrace omniloquent speaking on all subjects parciloquy laconic speech pauciloquent of few words; speaking little pectoriloquy sound of patient’s voice as heard through stethoscope planiloquent speaking plainly pleniloquence excessive talking; fullness of speech polyloquent speaking much; loquacious sanctiloquent speaking on heavenly or holy matters sialoquent spitting greatly while speaking soliloquent speaking in soliloquies; prone to giving soliloquies soliloquy talking or conversing with oneself; dramatic production of this nature somniloquence talking in one’s sleep

stultiloquence suaviloquence tardiloquent tolutiloquence tristiloquy vaniloquence ventriloquism veriloquent

foolish or senseless talk pleasing or agreeable speech speaking slowly smooth or flowing speech mournful manner of speech vain or foolish talk speaking so that the voice appears to come from elsewhere speaking truthfully; truthful

units of measurement do you know the story of the facetious unit of beauty called the 'millihelen'? since it is that the astonishingly beautiful helen of troy had 'a face that launched a thousand ships', a millihelen is a unit of beauty equal to the ability to launch one ship. none of the 153 units of measurement below is as interesting as that, but they just might be more useful, often in scientific and technical contexts. the proper unit is a tool to allow us to measure and organize the world - by length, volume, energy, or some other aspect of reality. and hey, we all love reality, don't we? i've avoided the simplest metric and imperial measures (gram, foot, metre, inch, etc.), but almost all the rest should be there.word definition aam archaic unit of liquid measure ranging from 37 to 41 gallons of wine abampere unit equivalent to 10 amperes abvolt unit of electrical potential equal to one hundred millionth of a volt acre-breadth old unit of length of 22 yards ampere unit for measuring amount of electrical current angstrom unit of one ten-billionth of a meter arpent unit of land area slightly smaller than an acre astronomical unit unit of distance equal to the distance from the earth to the sun bar unit of pressure of one million dynes per square centimeter barleycorn old unit of length equal to one-third inch barn unit of area measurement of particles equal to 100 square femtometres baud unit of data transmission speed of one signal event per second bel unit of noise intensity equal to ten decibels butt unit of volume equal to two hogsheads or 126 gallons calorie unit of heat or heat-producing value candela unit of luminous intensity carat unit of weight of precious stones equal to 200 milligrams centner old unit of weight equal to about 110 pounds chain unit of length equal to 22 yards chaldron old unit of dry volume equal to between 32 and 72 bushels clove old weight of seven to ten pounds for wool or cheese cord unit of wood equal to 128 cubic feet coulomb unit of electrical charge of one ampere over period of one second cubit unit of length equal to 18 inches curie unit of radioactive decay and intensity cusec unit of liquid flow equal to one cubic foot per second dalton unit of atomic mass darcy unit of permeability of rock to various substances dash non-specific very small unit of measurement used in cooking decibel unit for measuring sound intensity denier unit of yarn fineness digit unit of length equal to 3/4 of an inch dioptre unit of measurement of power of lens or eye dol unit for measuring intensity of pain dram unit of weight equal to 1/16 of an ounce dyne unit of force to accelerate 1 gram to 1 cm per second per second elephant large unit of paper measurement equal to 28 by 23 inches ell old unit of length equal to 45 inches em unit of measuring width of typeface where width of letters equals height erg unit of work measuring force of one dyne applied over one centimeter face-cord unit of wood measurement equal to a stack four by eight feet in volume farad unit measuring electrical capacitance fathom unit of length equal to six feet used to measure depth of water fermi unit of length equal to one quadrillionth of a metre fifth unit of measure of liquor equal to one fifth of a gallon firkin old unit of capacity equal to one quarter of a barrel

footlambert unit of luminance of a surface emitting one lumen per square foot fresnel unit of optical frequency equal to one terahertz furlong unit of distance equal to 220 yards gal unit of acceleration of one centimeter per second per second gamma unit of magnetic flux density equal to one nanotesla gauss unit of magnetic flux density equal to 1/10000 tesla gilbert unit of magnetomotive force gill unit of liquid volume equal to one-quarter pint grain unit of weight equal to 1/7000 of a pound gray unit of absorbed dose of ionizing radiation equal to 100 rads hand unit for measuring height of horses equal to 4 inches henry unit of electrical inductance hertz unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second hide old unit of land area equal to 120 acres hobbet measure of two and a half bushels hogshead unit of capacity equal to 63 gallons horsepower unit of power equal to 550 foot-pounds of work per second hundredweight unit of weight of 100 pounds (112 pounds in uk) jansky unit of strength of radio wave emission jiffy unit of time used in computing equal to 1/100 second; any small unit of time joule unit of work done by force of one newton over distance of one meter karat unit of fineness of gold equal to 1/24 part of pure gold kelvin unit of temperature based on absolute zero, equal to 1 degree celsius kilderkin old unit of capacity equal to 1/2 barrel or 18 gallons kilobase unit of measure of length of nucleic acid chain equal to 1000 base pairs kip unit of weight equivalent to 1000 pounds lambert unit of brightness of light langley unit of solar radiation league unit of distance of between 2.4 and 4.6 miles link unit of length used by surveyors, equal to 7.92 inches lumen unit of luminous flux lux unit of illumination equal to one lumen per square meter magneton unit of the quantized magnetic moment of a particle maxwell unit of magnetic flux mecate old mexican measure of about one-tenth of an acre megadeath unit of fatality equal to one million deaths mho unit of electrical conductance mil unit of 1/1000 inch used for measuring thickness of wire minim unit of liquid volume equal to 1/480 fluid ounces mnemon unit of memory, largely hypothetical mole unit of substance equal to number of atoms as 12 grams of carbon-12 morgan unit of inferred distance between genes on a chromosome morgen unit of land area slightly more than two acres mutchkin old unit of liquid measurement equal to 3/4 of an imperial pint nail old measure of two and a quarter inches neper unit for expressing ratio of two currents or voltages newton unit of force that accelerates 1 kilogram to 1 meter / second / second oersted unit of magnetic field strength ohm unit of electrical resistance of circuits osmol unit of osmotic pressure palm unit of length equivalent to width or length of the hand parsec unit of interstellar distance equal to 3.26 light-years pascal unit of pressure equal to one newton per square meter peck unit of dry measure equal to 8 quarts pennyweight unit of troy weight equal to 24 grains phon unit of loudness of sound as heard by listeners

photon unit of brightness of light as received at the retina pica unit of typeface equal to about 1/6 of an inch pipe unit of liquid capacity equal to two hogsheads pitch unit of typeface equal to number of characters per inch point unit of typeface equal to 1/72 of an inch poise unit of viscosity of liquids pole unit of area equal to a square rod pottle unit of liquid measurement of two quarts, or one-half gallon poundal unit of force that accelerates 1 pound to 1 foot / second / second probit unit of measurement of statistical probability quad unit of energy equal to one quadrillion british thermal units quarter unit of weight equal to 28 pounds quintal unit of weight equal to 100 kilograms quire unit of 24 sheets of paper rad unit of absorbed dose of ionizing radiation radian unit of plane angular measurement, approximately 57.3 degrees rod unit of length equal to 1/320 of a mile roentgen unit of x-radiation or gamma radiation rood old unit of land area equal to 1/4 acre rundlet old liquid measure equal to about 15 gallons rutherford unit of radioactive decay equal to 1 million disintegrations per second sabin unit of acoustic absorption of one square foot of a perfect absorber scruple unit of weight used by apothecaries equal to 1/24 of an ounce shake unit of one hundred millionth of a second used to measure nuclear processes siemens unit of electrical conductance equivalent to one ampere per volt slug unit of gravitational mass of approximately 32.174 pounds sone unit of loudness on a scale based on subjective or perceived loudness span unit of distance equal to handspread or nine inches stack old unit of measure for firewood equal to 108 cubic feet stone unit of weight equal to 14 pounds svedberg unit of time used to measure sedimentation velocity tesla unit of magnetic flux density equal to one weber per square meter tex unit of measurement of fineness of fibres and yarn therblig unit of work for quantifying industrial operations therm unit of quantity of heat equal to 100,000 british thermal units thirdendeal old liquid measure of three pints; one-third of anything tod old unit of weight of wool equal to 28 pounds tog unit of measurement for insulation properties of fabric ton unit of cooling power equal to 12,000 btu per hour torr unit of pressure equal to 1/760 of standard atmospheric pressure tun unit of liquid capacity of 252 gallons vara unit of linear measure of between 33 and 43 inches verst unit of distance equal to approximately 2/3 of a mile virgate old unit of land area usually equal to 30 acres or 1/4 hide volt unit of electrical potential difference and electromotive force watt unit of power equal to one joule per second weber unit of magnetic flux equal to 100 million maxwells wey old measure for dry goods usually equal to 40 bushels yardland unit of land area equal to 30 acres yrneh unit of reciprocal inductance zolotnik old russian unit of weight equal to 1/6 of an ounce

words of wisdom this group of 30 odd 'sophy' and 'sopher' words have in common an etymological derivation from the greek sophia, meaning 'wisdom'. they refer to an odd group of systems of knowledge, esoteric doctrines, and philosophical practices, most of which are obsolete or extremely rare, with philosophy being the only major exception. not quite sciences or studies, nor are they isms, they tend to refer to mystical or occult concepts rather than strictly religious or scientific canons of knowledge. word definition anthroposophy knowledge of the nature of humanity; human wisdom chirosophy knowledge of palm-reading cosmosophy knowledge of the cosmos deipnosophy learned dinner-conversation demonosopher one who is inspired by a demon or devil gastrosopher a person skilled in matters of eating gymnosophy deep contemplation performed while naked helicosophy geometry that deals with spirals hypnosophy knowledge of phenomena relating to sleep misosophy hatred of knowledge or wisdom morosophy foolish pretence of wisdom mysteriosophy system of knowledge concerning secrets and mysteries neutrosophy study of the origin and nature of philosophical neutralities ontosophy knowledge of being or existence palaeosophy ancient learning or thought pansophy universal knowledge pantosophy universal knowledge; pansophy philosophy science of knowledge or wisdom physiophilosophy system of knowledge concerning principles of natural history physiosophy assumption of knowledge of nature phytosophy knowledge of plants pneumatophilosophy philosophy of spirits or the spirit world pseudosophy pretension to wisdom psilosophy shallow philosophy; limited knowledge psychosophy doctrine or theory of the soul pyrosophy knowledge of the properties of fire rhabdology knowledge or learning concerning divining rods sciosophy system of knowledge without basis in science theanthroposophy system of belief concerning christ as god and man theosophy immediate divine illumination or wisdom zoosophy knowledge or learning concerning animals

specialty care common specialty areas to which the patient is typically referred by the primary care provider:

anesthesiology -- anesthesia, either general or spinal block for surgeries and some forms of pain control cardiology -- heart disorders dermatology -- skin disorders endocrinology -- hormonal and metabolic disorders, including diabetes gastroenterology -- digestive system disorders general surgery -- common surgeries involving any part of the body gynecology/obstetrics -- pregnancy (normal or problematic) and women's reproductive tract disorders immunology -- disorders of the immune system and allergies infectious disease -- infections affecting the tissues of any body system nephrology -- kidney disorders neurology -- nervous system disorders oncology -- cancer and some other diseases that resist treatment ophthalmology -- eye disorders and surgery orthopedics -- bone and connective tissue disorders otorhinolaryngology -- ear, nose, and throat (ent) disorders physical and rehabilitative medicine -- coordinate return to optimal functioning in individuals with musculoskeletal and neurological disorders (such as low back injury, spinal cord injuries, and stroke) psychiatry -- emotional or mental disorders pulmonary (lung) -- respiratory tract disorders radiology -- x-rays and related procedures (such as ultrasound, ct, and mri) urology -- disorders of the male reproductive and urinary tracts and the female urinary tract