General Information (Q-Z)

General Information (Q-Z)


Qabbala

The Qabbala (Cabala, Caballa, Kabbala) is an ancient esoteric tradition of the Jews. It was supposedly given to Moses on mount Sinai in a revelation.

Qabbalistic

see "Qabbala"

Quadriga

The Quadriga was an ancient Greek and Roman two-wheeled chariot drawn by four horses abreast and used for racing.

Quaestor

A Quaestor was ancient Roman magistrate who was concerned with receiving taxes and tribunes, paying the troops and generally looking-after the money.

Quandang

Quandang is the edible fruit of a species of the sandalwood tree.

Quart

The quart is a unit of capacity measurement equivalent to 2 pints or 1.136 litres.

Quarter

The quarter is a unit of measurement of the avoirdupois scale equivalent to 28 pounds or 12.7 kilograms. The quarter is a unit of capacity measurement equivalent to 8 bushels or 2.909 hectolitres.

Queen's prize

The queen's prize is an English shooting competition.

Quinine

Quinine is an anti malaria drug derived from the bark of the cinchona tree.

Radar

Radar is a system of locating an object or direction finding using high frequency radio waves.

Radian

The radian is the SI unit (symbol rad) of plane angles, an alternative unit to the degree. It is the angle at the center of a circle when the center is joined to the two ends of an arc equal in length to the radius of the circle. There are 2pi (approximately 6.284) radians in a full circle (360°). One radian is approximately 57°, and 1° is pi/180 or approximately 0.0175 radians. Radians are commonly used to specify angles in polar coordinates.

Radiation

Radiation is the emission of energy rays from an object. In particular the term is applied to the emission of X-rays.

Radioactive

Radioactive elements are those of high atomic weight (radium, thorium, uranium etc) which spontaneously emit alpha, beta or gamma rays.

Radium

Radium is a radioactive gaseous element.

Rain

Rain is condensed moisture from the atmosphere which falls to the ground in visible separate drops.

Rayon

Rayon is an artificial silk made from cellulose.

Recorder

The recorder is a woodwind musical instrument.

Red

Red is one of the primary colours. It is the colour of the spectrum which is farthest away from violet. Red pigments are derived from cinnabar, realgar, cochineal and coal-tar.

Red dwarf

A red dwarf is a cool, faint star.

Red giant

A red giant is a cool, bright star.

Red-lead

Red-lead is an oxide of lead used as a red pigment.

Reefer

A reefer is a refrigerated cargo ship.

Reflex

A reflex is an automatic response to a stimuli.

Reichstag

The reichstag was the German parliament building.

Relativity

Relativity is a theory concerning the nature of space and time propounded by Einstein.

Renaissance

The renaissance was an intellectual period between the 14th and 17th centuries.

Resin

Resin is an adhesive and inflammable substance which is insoluble in water secreted by plants and animals.

Rhenium

Rhenium is a metal element.

Rhizome

In botany, a rhizome is a sort of stem running along the surface of the ground, or partially subterranean, sending forth shoots at its upper end and decaying at the other.

Rhodium

Rhodium is a metal element.

Rhythm

Rhythm is the beat behind a piece of music.

Ribbon

A ribbon is a woven narrow band of silk or other material used for adornement.

Riboflavin

Riboflavin is vitamin b2. A deficiency of it stunts growth.

Rice

Rice is the seeds of a grass grown in marshs mainly in the orient.

Ricin

Ricin is a poison extracted from the leaves of the castor oil plant.

Rickets

Rickets is a defective growth of bone disease caused by a lack of vitamin d.

Ricochet

A ricochet is the rebounding of a projectile.

Riddle

A riddle is a question designed to test ingenuity or give amusement.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungus infection of the skin.

Robe

A robe is a long loose outer garment.

Rocker

A rocker is a curved bar fixed to an item so that it may rock.

Rocket

A rocket is a cylindrical case which can be projected as a result of the reaction of gases discharged from its rear when its combustible contents are ignited.

Rococo

Rococo is a style of decoration which originated in France and Italy in the 17th century.

Rood

The rood is a unit of measurement of area equivalent to 1210 square yards.

Root

The root is that part of a plant which is below or in the soil and serves to attach the plant to the soil, and conveys nourishment from the soil to the plant.

Rope

Rope is a stout cord in excess of one inch in circumferance.

Roquelaure

A roquelaure was a man's cloak popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Rosaniline

Rosaniline is a base compound of many aniline dyes. It is a basic compound prepared by oxidizing a mixture of aniline and toluidine by nitro-benzene in the presence of ferrous chloride. Rosaniline itself is a colourless solid, but if converted into a salt by the addition of an acid, it loses water and becomes coloured.

Rosary

A rosary is a string of beads used in religion.

Rosetta stone

The rosetta stone is a tablet bearing an inscription in Greek, and hieroglyphics. It's discovery by napoleon's soldiers in 1799 made the deciphering of hieroglyphics possible.

Rosolio

Rosolio is an alcoholic beverage from southern Europe.

Rubber

Rubber is coagulated latex.

Rum

Rum is an alcoholic beverage distiled from sugar cane.

Russians

see "russian"

Rust

Rust is an iron oxide.

Ruthenium

Ruthenium is a metal element.

Rutherfordium

Rutherfordium is an artificial radioactive element with a very short lifespan.

Ryder Cup

The Ryder Cup is an international golf tournament.

Saccharin

Saccharin is an ortho sulpho benzimide used as a substitute for sugar.

Sackbut

The sackbut is a musical instrument of the brass family.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius is a sign of the zodiac represented by a centaur armed with a bow and arrow.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is the active chemical constituent of aspirin.

Sangaree

Sangaree is an alcoholic beverage made from wine diluted with water and mixed with spices and sugar and drunk iced.

Satin

Satin is a fabric made from silk or similar yarn, with a glossy surface on one side produced by a twill weave in which wwft-threads are almost hidden by the warp.

Saturday

Saturday is the sixth day of the week.

Sauna

A sauna is a steamy heat bath.

Savanna

A savanna is an extensive tropical grassland.

Saxhorn

The saxhorn is a musical instrument of the brass family. It evolved from the bugle-horn, but has valves instead of keys.

Saxophone

The saxophone is a metal musical instrument of the woodwind family.

Scandium

Scandium is a metal element.

Sciatica

Sciatica is a pain of the sciatic.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine.

Scorpio

Scorpio is a sign of the zodiac represented by a scorpion.

Scrabble

Scrabble is a board game based upon a crossword puzzle.

Scurvy

Scurvy is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin c.

Second

The second is the basic SI unit of time, one-sixtieth of a minute. It is defined as the duration of 9,192,631,770 cycles of regulation (periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition between two hyperfine levels of the ground state) of the cesium-133 isotope. In mathematics, the second is a unit of angular measurement, equaling one-sixtieth of a minute, which in turn is one-sixtieth of a degree.

Seer

The seer is a unit of measurement equivalent to 1 kilogramme. It was extensively used in India around 1900.

Seiner

A seiner is a ship which employs seine net fishing.

Seismology

Seismology is the scientific study of earthquakes.

Selenium

Selenium is a rare metal element. It was discovered in 1817 by Berzelius in the refuse of a sulphuric acid manufactory in Sweden.

Semaphore

Semaphore is a visual form of communication using flags.

Sepsis

Sepsis is blood or tissue poisoning caused by bacteria.

Septic

Septic is a term describing tissue in a state of sepsis. Usually the term is applied to cuts and wounds in an animal which have become infected.

Septicaemia

Septicaemia is a pathological term describing blood poisoning by bacteria.

Serotonin

Serotonin is a compound widely distributed in human tissue, particularly in the blood, wall of the intestine and the central nervous system. It acts as a neurotransmitter concerned especially with the process of sleep.

Sextant

A sextant is a navigational instrument for determining latitude by measuring the angle between a heavenly body and the horizon.

Shamanism

Shamanism is the religion of the eskimos of north America and Siberia.

Sharia

Sharia is the law of Islam.

Sheep-Dog

A Sheep-Dog is any breed of dog trained for controlling sheep, but in England the term is usually restricted to the Old English Sheep Dog.

Sheepshank

The sheepshank is a sailor's knot.

Sheffield Plate

Sheffield Plate is the name given to articles made of copper plated with silver by heat. It was invented in Sheffield in the middle of the 18th century.

Shellac

Shellac is a resin used to make varnish. It is derived from the lac insect.

Sherry

Sherry is a spanish alcoholic beverage of wine mixed with brandy.

Shintoism

Shintoism is the primary religion in Japan.

Shinty

Shinty is the Scottish name for hockey.

Ship

A ship is a vessel intended for navigating the ocean, as distinct from a boat which is any navigable vessel. The term ship now applies to sizeable boats which are intended for distant voyages.

Ship-Money

Ship-Money was a tax levied by Charles I in October 1634, ostensibly for the equipment of ships for the defence of the coast and maintaining command of the sea. The tax was deemed illegal and was a contributory dispute which led to the English civil War.

Shire Moot

In Anglo-Saxon England a Shire Moot was a metting of all the freemen of a shire for transacting judicial and administrative matters pertaining to the shire.

Shoddy

Shoddy is wool obtained from woollen rags and wastes and respun.

Shorthand

Shorthand is a system of graphical notation making it possible to record speech at greater speed than by normal writing.

Shove-halfpenny

Shove-halfpenny is a game played on a marked board in which halfpennies or discs are jerked from the edge along the board with the ball of the thumb. The object is to lodge the coins within marked areas on the board. It was once a popular game in English pubs.

Shuffle-board

Shuffle-board is a game played on a ship-deck in which wooden discs 6 inches in diameter are shoved by a kind of cue into marked squares from a distance of about 30 feet. The game has been recorded since the 15th century.

Sicilian Vespers

The Sicilian Vespers was the massacre of the French in Sicily on March 20th 1282. It was caused by a French soldier insulting a bride on her way to church, and resulted in the entire garrison of Charles of Anjour being annihilated within 3 days, putting an end to Angevin rule in Sicily.

Sickle

A Sickle is a hook-shaped steel bladed instrument used for cutting grass and grain.

Sign

A sign is a mark drawn upon a surface.

Signet

A signet is a private seal used on documents and personal letters. The privy signet is the personal seal of the British Sovereign used on private documents.

Sikhism

Sikhism is a religion founded by Nanak in the 15th century.

Silicon

Silicon is a non-metallic element.

Silk

Silk is a soft thread produced by the larvea of the silkworm moth.

Sill

Sill is a geological term for a sheet of igneous rock intruded into overlaying beds and lying nearly horizontal over a large area.

Silo

A silo is a structure for storing and preserving vegetable matter in a green state.

Silurian

The Silurian was the fifth geological period, 335,000,000 years ago. This period marked the appearance of the first land plants.

Simile

A simile is a literary device of description by comparison, as in "he slept like a log".

Simony

Simony is the trafficking in spiritual things. It was an offence against the canon law.

Single Tax

The single tax was a system of taxation proposed by Harry George. It was proposed that tax should be confined to land-rent, land being the real source of wealth.

Sinn Fein

Sinn Fein is an Irish nationalist political party. It was founded in Dublin in 1900 by Arthur Griffith.

Sirius

Sirius (the Dog Star) is the brightest star in the sky.

Sitar

The sitar is an Indian musical instrument similar to the lute.

Skylab

Skylab is an American space station launched in 1973.

Slow-match

Slow-match was a 19th century term for a fuse used to light mines or blasts.

Smalt

Smalt is a type of glass in which protoxide of cobalt has been mixed with common glass to produce a glass with a deep blue tinge to it. Smalt was discovered by a Bohemian glass blower in the 16th century.

Snooker

Snooker is a game derived from billiards.

Snuff

Snuff is powdered tobacco.

Sodium

Sodium is a metal element.

Soil

Soil is a loose covering of broken rocky material and decaying organic matter.

Solanaceae

The solanacea is a narcotic and poisonous family of plants which are mono petalous and exogenous.

Solid

A solid is a substance in which the molecules do not have free movement.

Sonar

Sonar is a method of locating underwater objects by the reflection of ultrasonic waves.

Sonnet

A sonnet is a 14 line poem.

Sorbic acid

Sorbic acid is found in the fruit of the rowan tree and used in food preservation.

Sound

Sound is the changes in air pressure detectable by the ear.

Spacecraft

A spacecraft is a vehicle used to travel through space, from one planet to another or to a moon, asteroid or other planetoid.

Speed

Speed is the rate of time at which something moves, travels, proceeds or operates.

Star

A star is a luminous globe of gas producing light by nuclear reactions.

Starch

Starch is large numbers of glucose molecules combined.

Stearic acid

Stearic acid is a long chain fatty acid soluble in alcohol but not water.

Steel

Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon.

Sterling silver

Sterling silver is an alloy of silver and copper.

Stimulant

A stimulant is a drug that acts upon the brain to increase alertness.

Stotinki

The stotinki is a unit of cuurency used in Bulgaria. 100 stotinki comprise 1 lev.

Street

A street is a road with houses along one or both sides of it.

Streptomycin

Streptomycin is an antibiotic.

Strontium

Strontium is a metal element.

Strychnine

Strychnine is a poisonous alkaloid with the formulae c21h22o2n2.

Submarine

A submarine is an underwater ship.

Sucrose

Sucrose is cane sugar. It is formed by the chemical combination of glucose and sucrose. It occurs naturally in sugar-beet and sugar-cane, in sweet fruits and in roots such as carrots.

Suffragettes

see "suffragette"

Sugar

Sugar is a sweet, soluble carbohydrate.

Sugars

In chemistry, the sugars are a group of carbohydrates, soluble in water and having a sweet taste. The group includes glucose, lactose and saccharose.

Sulphur

Sulphur is a non-metallic element. It has a relative hardness of 2 and a melting point of 108 degrees celcius. Its symbol is S.

Sulphuric acid

Sulphuric acid has the formulae H2SO4.

Sun

The sun is the star at the centre of the solar system.

Sunday

Sunday is the seventh day of the week.

Supernova

Supernova is the explosive death of a star.

Swaythling cup

The swaythling cup is a table tennis tournament.

Symbol

A symbol is something which represents something else.

Synagogue

A synagogue is a jewish place of worship.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a veneral disease (VD, STD) due to the micro-organism Treponema Pallidum. It is usually transmitted by sexual contact with an infected person.

Tabaret

Tabaret is an upholstery fabric with alternate satin and watered-silk stripes.

Tabernacle

A tabernacle is a temporary or slightly built dwelling, such as a hut, booth or tent.

Tabes

Tabes is a slow progressive emaciation.

Tablier

Historically, a tablier was the apron-like part of a woman's dress.

Tachograph

A tachograph is a device fitted to a motor vehicle which records its speed and distances travelled. Tachographs are often called the spy in the cab by lorry drivers who are restricted in how long they may drive for by law.

Tachometer

A tachometer is a device for measuring the velocity of machines or the rate of flow of liquids.

Tack

A tack is a small sharp nail, usualy with a large flat head. They are used for fitting a light or thin object to a more solid one, such as carpet to the floor.

Tackle

Tackle is a term used to describe the equipment used in a sport, especially fishing. In nautical terms, tackle refers to ropes and pulleys used for hoisting weights, sails etc.

Tact

Tact is the intuitive perception of what is correct or fitting especially in the context of knowing the right thing to say or how to behave in a situation.

Taffeta

Taffeta is a fine plain-woven usualy glossy fabric of silk or mother material.

Taffy

Taffy is a colloquial nickname for a Welshman. It derives from the supposed Welsh pronounciation of the name Davy.

Tailor

A tailor is a maker of men's outer garments or of women's garments which have similar characteristics such as coats, suits and riding-clothes.

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is a white marbel mausoleum built at Agra by Shah Jehan in memory of his favourite wife who died in 1629. It took 20000 men 20 years to build.

Tallow

Tallow is the fat of animals, especially sheep and ox, separated by melting and clarifying and used for making soap, candles and other things.

Tally

Originaly, a tally was a piece of wood scored across with noteches representing an amount of debt or payment. The wood was then split in half lengthways and each party kept half.

Talma

A talma was a long cape or cloak worn by both men and women during the early part of the 19th century.

Tam-o-shanter

A tam-o-shanter is a round woolen or cloth cap with a flat baggy top much wider than the head band. It is named after the hero of Burn's poem "Tam o' Shanter".

Tamal

Tamal is a Mexican dish of crushed maize with pieces of meat or chicken, red pepper etc, wrapped in corn husks and baked or steamed.

Tambour

A tambour is a device used in embroidery. It is comprised of two hoops which fit closely one inside the other. Fabric is stretched over the the tambour which then holds it fast so that it may be embroidered.

Tambourin

A tambourin is a long narrow drum used in music.

Tambourine

A tambourine is a musical percussion instrument.

Tammy

Tammy is a fine woollen or wool and cotton textile fabric often with a glazed finish.

Tampion

A tampion is a plug for the top of an organ pipe or a cover for the muzzle of a gun.

Tampon

A tampon is a plug inserted into a wound or body orifice to absorb secretions or stop haemorrhaging.

Tandem

A tandem is a bicycle with two or more seats one behind the other.

Tang

A tang is a projection of a knife or other metal tool by which it is secured to its handle.

Tango

The tango was a dance from central Africa which was taken to Central America by African slaves and from there it became popular in Argentina where it was influenced by European rhythms and developed into a fashionable ballroom dance in around 1910.

Tangram

A tangram is a Chinese geometrical puzzle comprised of a square which is divided into 5 triangles, a square and a rhomboid which can then be fitted together to form many figures.

Tankard

A tankard is a large, one-handled drinking vessel.

Tanner

Tanner is an old English slang expression for a sixpence. More properly, a tanner is someone who tans hides.

Tannery

A tannery is a place where hides are tanned.

Tannin

Tannin is a substance used to tan hides, that is convert them into leather. Tannin is extracted from oak-galls and various barks.

Tantalum

Tantalum is a metal element.

Taoism

Taoism is an ancient Chinese system of philosophy.

Taper

A taper is a slender wax candle. The term is often used for a long wax coated or wooden wick used to light candles or fires at a safe distance.

Tapestry

A tapestry is a thick hand-woven fabric, usualy of wool, with a pictorial or ornamental design formed by the weft-threads.

Tapioca

Tapioca is a starchy granular foodstuff prepared from cassava and used in puddings. The name comes from the Brazilian word tipioca which translates as juice of cassava.

Tappet

A tappet is an arm, collar or cam within a machine which imparts intermittent motion.

Tar

Tar is a thick viscid inflammable black liquid obtained by the distillation of wood, coal or other organic substances. It is used for preserving timber amongst other purposes.

Tarantass

A tarantass was a large covered travelling carriage without springs, but balanced on long poles which served instead, and without seats. Tarantass were used a lot in Russia around the beginning of the 20th century.

Tarantella

Tarantella is a swift, whirling Italian dance in six-eight measure.

Tarantism

Tarantism was an obscure illness which was epidemic in southern Italy between the 15th and 17th centuries. It manifested itself in melancholy and an overwhelming desire to dance. It was popularly believed to be caused by the bite of the tarantula.

Taraxacin

Taraxacin is a bitter substance found in the milky juice of the dandelion. It was formerly used as a tonic and diuretic.

Tarboosh

A tarboosh is a man's brimless cap resembling a fez and worn alone or as part of a turban by Muslims in some eastern Mediterranean countries.

Tarlatan

Tarlatan was a thin and fine fabric of cotton mostly used for making women's ball dresses around 1900. It was cheap, but did not withstand washing.

Tarsia-work

Tarsia-work was a kind of marquetry popular in 15th century Italy. It consisted of pieces of different coloured woods inlayed into a panel of walnut so as to represent landscapes, figures, fruits etc.

Tartan

Tartan is a woolen cloth with stripes of various colours crossing at right angles especially in the distinctive pattern of a Highland clan.

Tartar

Tartar (potassium tartrate) is a white crust deposited in wine casks during fermentation. The purified crystals are used in cooking, and often called cream of tartar.

Tartrate

Tartrate is a salt of tartaric acid.

Tasmanite

Tasmanite is a translucent, reddish-brown fossil resin found in Tasmania.

Tassel

A tassel is a tuft of loosely hanging threads or cords designed as an ornament for a cushion, cap or other object.

Tatting

Tatting is a type of knotted lace made from sewing-thread with a small flat shuttle-shaped instrument.

Tatty

A tatty is a cuscus grass mat which is hung in a doorway, or window and kept wet to cool the air in the building.

Tavla

Tavla is the national game of Turkey. It is called backgammon in Europe.

Taxi

see "Hackney Coach"

Taxidermy

Taxidermy is the art of preparing and mounting the skins of animals in a lifelike manner. In colloquial terms, stuffing dead animals.

TB

see "Tuberculosis"

Technetium

Technetium is an artificial element.

Tectonics

Tectonics is the study of rock movements.

Teetotum

A teetotum is a top spun with the fingers, rather than a whip or cord.

Tellurium

Tellurium is a semi-metallic element.

Tempo

Tempo is the pace at which a piece of music is played.

Tendril

A tendril is a slender, thread-like organ or appendage of a plant which stretches out and attaches itself to some other object so as to support the plant.

Tennis

Tennis is a game for two or four players played by striking a ball with a racket over a net stretched across a rectangular court.

Teocalli

A Teocalli is an Aztec or other early Mexican temple. They are usualy built in the form of a pyramid.

Tepee

A tepee is a conical tent, hut or wigwam used by North American indians.

Terbium

Terbium is a metal element.

Tercel

Tercel is the term for a male hawk.

Terpene

Terpene is a chemistry term for any of a large group of cyclic hydrocarbons which form the chief constituents of the volatile oils obtained by distilling plant material (Turpentine).

Terra Cotta

Terra Cotta is a baked clay, or burned earth material similar to that from which pottery is made. It was extensively used in ancient times. Terra Cotta consists of potters' clay and fine powdered silica.

Terra di Sienna

see "Burnt Sienna"

Terrine

A terrine is an earthenware vessel sold containing some table delicacy such as pate.

Tessera

A tessera was a Greek or Roman small tablet (of wood or Ivory) used as a token or tally.

Tester

A tester is the canopy over a four-poster bed.

Tetanus

Tetanus is a disease affecting the nervous system caused by a bacteria found mainly in soil.

Tetrahedron

A tetrahedron is a geometric solid figure with four triangular faces.

Tetrode

A tetrode is an electronic amplifying valve with 4 main electrodes.

Thalidomide

Thalidomide was a sedative drug prescribed to pregnant women during the 1960s. It caused deformity of the foetus resulting in children born with severely stunted or non-existent limbs.

Thallium

Thallium is a metal element.

Thaumatrope

A thaumatrope is a card or disc with two different figures drawn one each side. These images apparently merge when the card or disk is rotated rapidly. Thaumatropes are used to demonstrate the persistance of visual impressions.

Theodolite

A theodolite is an instrument used in surveying.

Thermion

A thermion is an electrically charged particle emitted from a heated body.

Thermistor

A thermistor is a type of semi-conductor in which the resistance decreases as the temperature rises.

Thermometer

A thermometer is a device used to measure temperature.

Thermostat

A thermostat is a device which automatically maintains temperature at a constant value or gives notice of an undue change in temperature.

Thermotaxis

Thermotaxis is the physiology term for the regulation of an organisms body heat.

Thespian

A thespian is an actor or actress.

Theurgy

Theurgy was a system of magic practised by the Neoplatonists intended to procure communication with spirits for personal benefit and to produce miraculous effects with their assistance.

Thiamine

Thiamine is vitamin b1 a deficiency of which causes beri beri.

Thigh

The thigh is the upper part of the human leg between the knee and the hip.

Thigh bone

Thigh bone is a popular name for the femur.

Thole

A thole is a pin in the gunwale of a boat used as a fulcrum for an oar. There are usually two tholes between which the oar rests.

Thomas cup

The Thomas cup is a badminton tournament.

Thomism

Thomism is a system of theology and philosophy taught by St. Thomas Aquinas.

Thong

A thong is a narrow strip of leather used as a lace or strap.

Thorium

Thorium is radioactive metal element.

Threshold

In architecture, a threshold is a piece of stone or timber lying below the bottom of a doorway.

Thulium

Thulium is a metal element.

Thunder

Thunder is a loud noise whic accompanies lightning, but appears to follow it due to the difference at which sound and light travel. Thunder is the noise which occurs due to the sudden violent disturbance of the air by the electrical discharge.

Thursday

Thursday is the fourth day of the week.

Thwart

A thwart is a seat across a boat on which the rower sits.

Thymol

Thymol is a white crystalline phenol obtained from the oil of thyme. It has a pleasant aromatic smell and is used as an antiseptic.

Thyroxin

Thyroxin is a white crystalline substance which is secreted by the thyroid gland.

Tiara

A tiara was an ancient Persian head-dress. It is also the name of a jewelled coronet worn by women.

Tic

A tic is an habitual, local spasmodic contraction of muscles or twitch, often in the face.

Tide

Tide is a term applied to the alternate rising and falling of the sea, twice in each lunar day, to the attraction of the moon and the sun.

Tiki

A tiki is a Maori large wooden or small ornamental greenstone image of the creator of man or an ancestor.

Tilbury

A tilbury was a light open two-wheeled carriage which was fashionable during the first half of the 19th century.

Timbale

A timbale is a dish of minced meat, or fish cooked in a drum-shaped mould of pastry.

Timber

Timber is wood prepared for building, or trees which provide wood suitable for building with.

Timber hitch

The timber hitch is a knot.

Timbrel

A timbrel was a type of tambourine used around biblical times.

Timology

Timology is a philosophical term of a doctrine of values.

Tin

Tin is a white metal element. It occurs commonly in the ore cassiterite, which is found in Malaya, Indonesia, Bolivia, Zaire, Nigeria and Cornwall. Tin is often used to plate iron to protect it from rusting.

Tincal

Tincal is a crude form of borax found in lake-deposits in parts of Asia.

Tine

A tine is a projecting sharp point such as of a fork, harrow or stag's antler.

Tinker

A tinker is a person who mends things, the term especially applies to someone who mends pots, pans and kettles. In Scotland and Northern Ireland the term is often applied to Romanys.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the medical condition of noises in the ear which are not due to external sounds. It is a condition common amongst the deaf and hard of hearing.

Tinplate

Tinplate is steel covered in tin.

Tinsel

Tinsel is a shining mettalic material used in thin strips or threads to give a sparkling effect in decorations.

Tippet

A tippet was a woman's small cape or collar made of fur, or silk usualy with two ends hanging down in front.

Tipstaff

A tipstaff is a metal-tipped staff which is a symbol of a Sheriff's office.

Tissue

In biological terms, tissue is an organised mass of cells, such as any part of an animal's body or a plant's structure.

Tissues

see "Tissue"

Titanic

The Titanic was a supposedly unsinkable British ocean liner.

Titanium

Titanium is a metal element.

Titans

see "Titan"

Toby

A toby is a mug or small jug used for ale. They are made in various forms, but originally they were in the form of a stout man wearing a long full-skirted coat and a three-cornered hat.

Toddy

Toddy is a drink made from the fresh or fermented sap of various species of palm.

Toffee

Toffee is a sweet of sugar, butter and flavourings boiled together and then allowed to cool and harden.

Toga

A toga was an outer garment worn by citizens of ancient Rome. It was a flowing cloak covering the entire body except the right arm.

Tokay

Tokay is a rich sweet aromatic wine made near Tokay in Hungary.

Toleration act

The toleration act of parliament in 1689 gave the right to freedom of worship in England.

Toll

A toll is a tax or duty chargable for selling goods, setting up a stall, or travelling along a public road, bridge or ferry or for transporting goods by railway.

Toluene

Toluene is a liquid derived from petroleum.

Tomtom

A tomtom is a native east Indian drum usualy beaten with the hands.

Ton

The ton is a unit of measurement of the avoirdupois scale equivalent to 20 hundredweight, 2240 pounds or 1.016 tonnes.

Tondo

A tondo is a painting or carving in relief within a circular shape.

Tong

A tong is a Chinese association. The term is especially applied to Chinese secret organisations.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils.

Tonsure

Tonsure is the religious practice of having the head shaved before entering the priesthood or becoming a monk.

Topee

A topee is a light pith helmet.

Topiary

Topiary is the art of clipping and trimming shrubs into ornamental designs.

Topology

Topology is a branch of mathematics which studies geometric objects from the point of view of their general shape rather than their precise measurements.

Toponymy

Toponymy is the study of a region's place names.

Toque

A toque is a small brimless hat made of folded or swathed material.

Tor

A tor is a craggy or rocky hill or peak. The term is most used in Cornwall and Devon.

Torchon

Torchon is a strong, coarse linen bobbin-lace.

Toreador

A toreador is a mounted bullfighter.

Torero

Torero is the term used for someone who fights bulls for a living.

Tornado

A tornado is a violent storm with heavy rain in which the wind rotates or constantly changes direction.

Torque

A torque was a necklace or collar of twisted metal worn by ancient Britons and Gauls.

Torsel

In building, a torsel is a block of stone or piece of wood or iron set in a wall to support a beam or joist.

Torso

A torso is a statue or multilated human body lacking a head and limbs.

Torticollis

Torticollis is a rheumatic or other affection of the muscles causing twisting and and stiffness of the neck.

Tortilla

A tortilla is a Latin American thin flat cake made of maize flour and baked on a flat piece of stone or iron.

Torus

In architecture, a torus is a large convex moulding, usually at the base of a column.

Toupee

A toupee was originaly a top-knot of hair crowning a wig. Today the term is used to describe any false hair piece.

Tournament

A tournament was an equestrian contest between military knights and others armed with lances which were common in the Middle Ages. They were introduced to England by the Normans.

Tournedos

A tournedos is a small piece of fillet beef grilled or sauted.

Tourniquet

A tourniquet is a bandage for stopping the flow of blood through an artery.

Tower

A tower is a tall structure.

Tower of Babel

see "babel"

Tower of London

The Tower of London was built as a fortress by William The Conqueror. It was a royal palace in the Middle Ages, and was later used as a garrison and prison. The crown jewels are kept at the Tower of London.

Toxaemia

Toxaemia is blood poisoning.

Toxic

Something is said to be toxic (poisonous) if when introduced into a living organism it destroys it or damages its health.

Toxicology

Toxicology is the study of nature and effects of poisons and their detection and treatment.

Toxin

Toxin refers to a toxic substance of animal or vegetable origin.

Toxophilite

A toxophilite is someone who is learning archery.

Toxophily

Toxophily is the practice of, or addiction to archery.

Tracheid

Tracheid is the water conducting component in the wood of vascular plants.

Tracheotomy

Tracheotomy is the cutting and insertion of a pipe into the trachea. It is used in such cases as the trachea is blocked so that the patient may breath.

Trachoma

Trachoma is a contagious form of conjunctivitis with inflammation of the inner surface of the eyelids. It frequently leads to blindness.

Tragedy

In the theatre, a tragedy is a play dealing with a serious theme.

Tram

A tram is a passenger vehicle, similar to a bus, which runs along rails on public roads. The rails are flush with the road's surface allowing other motor vehicles to also use the roads at the same time.

Trammel

A trammel is a fishing net consisting of a fine net hung loosely between verticle walls of a coarser net so that fish passing through the coarse net carry some of the finer net through with them and are caught in the resulting pocket.

Trampoline

A trampoline is a canvas sheet attached to a horizontal metal framework by springs to provide a resilient platform for acrobats.

Transducer

A transducer is a device which takes in power from one part of a system and emits power of a different kind to another part.

Transept

Transepts are the cross aisles of a church, projecting at right angles from the nave or choir.

Transistor

A transistor is an electronic component made of a semiconductor material and three or more electrodes.

Transmutation

Transmutation is a biological term whereby one species transforms into another through an evolutionary process.

Transom

A transom is a cross bar separating a door from the fan light above it.

Transuranic

Transuranic is a chemical term refering to artificially manufactured elements which have an atomic number higher than uranium.

Transvestite

A transvestite is a person who dresses in the clothes of the opposite sex.

Trapeze

A trapeze is a horizontal bar suspended by two ropes and used as a piece of apparatus by acrobats.

Trapezoid

A trapezoid is a quadrilateral shape in which none of the sides are parallel.

Trawler

A trawler is a fishing ship which catches fish by trawling, that is with a net dragged along the bottom of the sea.

Treacle

Treacle is an uncrystallized syrup produced when sugar is refined.

Treadle

A treadle is a foot operated lever used to impart motion to a machine, such as a sewing machine or lathe for example.

Trellis

A trellis is a structure of light bars crossing each other with open squares or diamond-shaped spaces between them. Trellis are used as screens and to support climbing plants.

Trencher

A trencher is a flat slab of wood or metal upon which meat is cut.

Trental

In the Roman Catholic church, trental is a set of 30 requiem masses said daily or all on one day.

Trepan

A trepan was a surgeon's cylindrical saw.

Trephine

A trephine is a surgeon's cylindrical saw with a guiding centre pin used for removing part of the bone of the skull. The trephine has taken over from the trepan.

Trews

Trews were close-fitting trousers or breeches combined with stockings worn by Scottish highlanders and the Irish.

Triad

A triad is a Chinese secret society. Originally a buddhist cult they are now crime organisation.

Triassic

The Triassic was the ninth geological period, 170,000,000 years ago.

Tribology

Tribology is the study of friction, wear, lubrication and bearing design.

Tribune

A tribune was an ancient Roman administrative officer.

Trichology

Trichology is the study of the structure, functions and diseases of hair.

Tricorn

A tricorn is a three-cornered cocked hat.

Triduum

In The Roman Catholic religion, a triduum is three days of prayer in preparation for a feast or other solemn occasion.

Trifle

Trifle is a sweet dish of sponge-cakes flavoured with wine or jam and topped with custard and whipped cream.

Trilby

A trilby is a soft felt hat with a narrow brim and an indented crown.

Trimaran

A trimaran is a boat similar to a catamaran, but with 3 hulls side by side.

Trinitrate

In chemistry, a trinitrate is a compound formed from 3 molecules of nitric acid by the replacement of the 3 hydrogen atoms by a trivalent element or radicle.

Trinitrotoluene

Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a high explosive.

Triode

A triode is an electronic amplifying valve with 3 main electrodes (anode, cathode and grid).

Trioxide

In chemistry, a trioxide is a compound with 3 atoms of oxygen with an element or radical.

Tripe

Tripe is the culinary term for a ruminant's stomach.

Tritium

Tritium is an unstable isotope of hydrogen.

Trocar

A trocar is a surgical stylet with a triangular point enclosed in a metal tube and used for withdrawing fluid from a cavity.

Trombone

The trombone is a musical instrument of the brass family.

Tropacocaine

Tropacocaine is a local anaesthetic obtained from coca leaves grown in Java.

Trowel

In building, a trowel is a flat bladed tool with a short handle used for spreading mortar. A gardener's trowel is a scoop shaped tool with a short handle.

Trug

A trug is a shallow garden basket made of wooden strips and with a handle extending from side to side.

Trumpet

The trumpet is a musical instrument of the brass family.

Tryptophan

Tryptophan is a crystalline amino-acid formed in tryptic digestion. Its presence in food is essential for an animal's proper growth.

Tsunami

A tsunami is a seismic sea wave originating from any one of several submarine geological phenomena, such as volcanic explosions. They travel in the open ocean at speeds up to 640 kmh.

Tuba

The tuba is a musical instrument of the brass family.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious disease in humans and animals caused by the bacteria tubercule bacillus and characterized by the formation of tubercles in bodily tissues, especially the lungs.

Tuesday

Tuesday is the second day of the week.

Tug

A tug is a boat used for towing other ships.

Tumbrel

A tumbrel is a type of cart, formerly used for carrying dung and prisoners to the guillotine during the French Revolution.

Tungsten

Tungsten is a metal element.

Tunic

A tunic was an ancient Greek and then Roman short-sleeved body garment reaching to the knees. Today the term applies more generally to a close-fitting short coat of a police or military uniform.

Tunnel

A tunnel is an underground passageway.

Turbine

A turbine is a type of engine. Steam turbines often propell ships and power stations. Gas turbines are also used.

Tutenag

Tutenag is an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc used at one time for domesticware and fire-grates.

Tutu

A tutu is a dancer's short skirt made of layers of stiffened frills.

Tuxedo

A tuxedo is a man's evening dress or dinner-jacket.

Tweezer

A tweezer is a small pair of tongs used for picking up small objects.

Twill

Twill is a textile fabric with a surface of parallel diagonal ribs produced by passing weft-threads over one and under two or more warp-threads.

Tympanum

Tympanum is an archeological term for the space at the back of a pediment.

Tynwald

Tynwald is the parliament in the isle of man.

Typhus

Typhus is an acute contagious fever transmitted to man by body-lice and rat-fleas infected by Rickettsia prowazekii. Typhus is characterised by the eruption of rose-coloured spots, extreme prostration and often delirium.

Tyrian dye

Tyrian dye was a purple dye derived from animal juice in the shell-fish murex. It was used in ancient times. Since only small quantities could be obtained, it's use was limited to the great and the wealthy, hence purple became the colour associated with majesty.

Uber cup

The uber cup is a badminton tournament.

Ukulele

The ukulele is a four stringed, small guitar.

Ultramarine

Ultramarine is a blue pigment derived from lapis lazuli.

Ultrasonic

Ultrasonic is a term refering to sound waves higher in frequency than 15khz.

Umbra

Umbra is the astrological term for the shadow cast by a planet or satellite.

Umbrella

An umbrella is a light, portable screen usually circular and supported on a central stick. They are used as protection against the sun, and rain.

United Nations

The United Nations is an international organisation for peace and security.

Universe

The universe is all of space and its contents.

Ural mountains

The ural mountains are a mountain range which separate Europe from Asia.

Uranium

Uranium is a metal element.

Urea

Urea is a waste product formed when mammals break down nitrogen compounds.

Uric acid

Uric acid is a nitrogen containing waste product found in the urine of birds and reptiles, but rarely mammals.

Urine

Urine is a fluid produced by the kidneys.

Valency

Valency is a term used by chemists to describe the combining ability of af an element with respect to hydrogen.

Valve

In electronics, a valve is a device consisting of two or more metal plates enclosed in an evacuated glass bulb. One of the metal plates is heated, causing electrons to be emitted. If a positive charge is applied to the other plate, the electrons will move towards it and the valve will conduct electricity. Valves have largely been superseded by transitors which are smaller.

Vanadium

Vanadium is a metal element. Its symbol is V.

Vellum

Vellum is a type of superior parchment made from the skin of a calf, kid or lamb.

Velocity

Velocity is the rate of motion, that is the rate of change of position of a body in a given direction within a measurement of time.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a 4% solution of acetic acid.

Violin

The violin is a family of stringed musical instruments.

Virgo

Virgo is a sign of the zodiac represented by a virgin.

Virus

A virus is an infectious particle consisting of a core of nucleic acids enclosed in a protein shell.

Viscose

Viscose is a yellowish, syrupy solution made by treating cellulose with sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide. The solution is then regenerated as continuous filament for the making of rayon and as cellophane.

Vitamin

Vitamins are chemical substances which are used by animal bodies for growth and repair of certain tissues and cells.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A (carotene) occurs in certain fats and the fatty parts of some foods. It is used by the human body to enable the eyes to perceive light, and to promote growth in children and to protect moist areas of the body such as the lining of the respiratory tract.

Vitamin B

Vitamin B refers to a group of over eleven vitamins. Including Thiamine, Riboflavin, Nicotinic Acid, Pyridoxine, Pantothenic acid, biotin and other substances.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is used by animal bodies for the production of the immune system, and maintenance of the skin and other cells. Vitamin C occurs almost exclusively in vegetable matter, and is destroyed by heat.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D (calciferol) is a substance which assists animal bodies to lay down calcium and phosphorus in bones. Vitamin D is mainly found in animal matter, and can also be produced by the body from sunlight.

Vodka

Vodka is an alcoholic beverage distiled from rye, potatoes, maize or barley.

Volcano

A volcano is a vent in the earth's crust.

Volt

The volt is the unit of electromotive force. It was named after Alessandro Volta.

Voodoo

Voodoo is a form of magic.

Wadi

A wadi is an irrigation canal found in arab countries.

Walker cup

The Walker cup is an international golf tournament.

Warp

Warp threads are the parallel threads which traverse a loom from end to end.

Water

Water is a liquid oxide of hydrogen.

Water table

The water table is the level of ground below which the rocks are saturated with water.

Watergate

Watergate was a political scandal in the USA resulting in the resignation of president Nixon in 1974.

Watlingstreet

Watlingstreet was a British Roman road extending from Dover, through London, St. Albans, Dunstable and Towcester into north Whales with a branch extending to Scotland.

Wax

Wax is a solid fatty substance.

Weaving

Weaving is the art of interlacing yarn threads or other filaments by means of a loom, so as to form a web of cloth or other woven fabric. Two sets of threads are used which traverse the web at right angles to each other. The first set extends from end to end of the web in parallel lines and is called the warp; while the other set of threads crosses and interlaces with the warp from side to side of the web and is called the weft.

Wednesday

Wednesday is the third day of the week.

Weft

Weft are threads crossing from side to side of a web and interwoven with warp.

Welding

Welding is the process of joining two pieces of metal together by hammering, pressure or fusion.

Whisky

Whisky is an alcoholic beverage made from malted barley.

White dwarf

A white dwarf is small hot star.

Wightman cup

The Wightman cup is a tennis tournament.

Wine

Wine is the fermented juice of grapes.

Wolfram

Wolfram is another name for the element tungsten.

Wolframite

Wolframite is the most important tungsten ore. It has a relative hardness of 5.

Wood pitch

Wood pitch is a by-product of charcoal manufacture, made from wood tar, the condensed liquid produced from burning charcoal gases. The wood tar is boiled to produce the correct consistency. It has been used since ancient times for filling in the spaces between the hull planks in wooden ships to make them watertight.

Woodwind

A woodwind instrument is one with which sound is produced by blowing into a tube.

Wool

Wool is the fibrous covering of sheep.

Wrestling

Wrestling is a form of combat contest between two opponents in which the object is to grapple the opponent to the floor.

Wynd

A wynd is a narrow street or passage off a main thoroughfare.

Xanthoma

Xanthoma is a skin disease characterized by irregular yellowish patches on the eyelids and neck.

Xenon

Xenon is a gaseous element. It's symbol is Xe.

Xylophone

The xylophone is a percussion musical instrument.

Yacht

A yacht is a light sailing vessel built for racing.

Yapp

Yapp is a type of bookbinding of limp leather with overlapping edges. It was first made for Yapp, a London bookseller in 1860, hence the name.

Yard

The yard is a unit of the imperial scale of measurement of length equivalent to 3 FEET, 36 inches or 0.9144 metres.

Yards

see "Yard"

Yarn

Yarn is a fibre, such as cotton, wool, silk or flax which has been spun and prepared for use in weaving or knitting.

Yawl

A yawl is a two-masted sailing ship. The aftermast is much smaller than the mainmast and is placed far aft.

Yeanling

Yeanling is an old term for a young lamb or kid.

Yearling

A yearling is a one-year old animal. The term is generally applied to sheep, calves and foals.

Yolk

Yolk is a food store found in eggs.

Ytterbium

Ytterbium is a metal element.

Yttrium

Yttrium is a metal element.

Zinc

Zinc is a metal element.

Zirconium

Zirconium is a lustrous, grayish-white, strong, ductile, metallic element, symbol Zr, atomic number 40, atomic weight 91.22. It occurs in nature as the mineral zircon (zirconium silicate), from which it is obtained commercially. It is used in some ceramics, alloys for wire and filaments, steel manufacture, and nuclear reactors, where its low neutron absorption is advantageous.

Zither

The zither is an Austrian musical instrument.

Zodiac

The zodiac is the name given by the Greeks to the heavens.

Zwitterion

Zwitterion is an ion that has both a positive and a negative charge, such as an amino acid in neutral solution.