cormorant
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C2 noun /ˈkɔːrmərənt/

cormorant

Meaning
a large black sea bird that catches fish by diving
Example
The cormorant perched on the rock, drying its wings after a dive.
C2 adjective /ˈkɑːrnəl/

carnal

Meaning
Relating to physical, especially sexual, desires and appetites.
Example
The book explores the conflict between spiritual and carnal desires.
C2 noun /kwɑːˈfjʊr/

coiffure

Meaning
A person's hairstyle, typically an elaborate one.
Example
Her elegant coiffure impressed everyone at the party.
C2 noun /ˈkɒn.tɪ.nəns/

continence

Meaning
self-restraint, especially regarding bodily functions or desires
Example
He practiced continence to maintain focus on his studies.
C2 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈveɪl/

countervail

Meaning
to offset or counteract the effect of something
Example
The benefits of the new policy countervail its drawbacks.
C2 noun /ˈkælvəri/

calvary

Meaning
A place or experience of intense suffering, originally the site of Jesus’s crucifixion.
Example
For many refugees, the journey across the desert was a calvary.
C2 verb /kəˈnoʊt/

connote

Meaning
To suggest or imply an additional meaning beyond the literal one.
Example
The word 'youthful' connotes energy and vitality.
C2 noun /ˈtʃaɪ.nə roʊz/

China-rose

Meaning
a tropical flowering plant with large, showy flowers in various colors
Example
The bright red China-rose flowers decorated the entrance of the house.
C2 noun /ˌkæθəˈlɪsɪti/

catholicity

Meaning
Universality; broad-mindedness; acceptance of a wide variety of things.
Example
Her catholicity of interests makes her a fascinating person.
C2 noun /kənˈtraɪ.vəns/

contrivance

Meaning
a device or plan that is cleverly or artificially created
Example
The clock was an intricate contrivance of gears and springs.
C2 adjective /kəmˈpleɪzənt/

complaisant

Meaning
willing to please others or to accept what they do or say without protest
Example
He was too complaisant to refuse their demands.
C2 noun /kɒŋk/

Conck

Meaning
a shell, especially a large spiral one used as a horn or for decoration
Example
The priest blew the conch shell to signal the start of the ceremony.
C2 noun /ˈkruːɪt/

cruet

Meaning
a small container, especially for salt, pepper, oil, or vinegar, used at a dining table
Example
She filled the cruet with olive oil for the salad.
C2 noun /ˈsɛʃən/

cession

Meaning
The formal giving up of rights, property, or territory, especially by a state.
Example
The treaty resulted in the cession of land to the neighboring country.
C2 noun, verb /ˈkaʊntərˌtʃɑːrdʒ/

countercharge

Meaning
an opposing charge or accusation; to make an opposing attack
Example
The lawyer filed a countercharge against the accuser.
C2 adjective /ˈsɜː.kəm.spekt/

circumspect

Meaning
Wary and unwilling to take risks; careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences.
Example
Investors must be circumspect before making decisions.
C2 noun /krɪpˈtɒɡ.rə.fi/

cryptography

Meaning
The practice of securing information through encryption or coding techniques
Example
Modern cryptography ensures secure online transactions.
C2 verb /ˈkæstɪˌɡeɪt/

castigate

Meaning
To criticize someone severely or to punish harshly.
Example
The teacher castigated the students for their poor behavior.
C2 noun /ˌkælɪsˈθɛnɪks/

calisthenics

Meaning
exercises that use body weight for strength and flexibility
Example
She practices calisthenics every morning in the park.
C2 verb /kəˈdʒoʊl/

cajole

Meaning
To persuade someone to do something by flattery or gentle urging.
Example
She managed to cajole her friend into joining the trip.
C2 noun /ˈkʌlvərt/

culvert

Meaning
a tunnel or drain that carries water under a road or railway
Example
The heavy rainwater flowed through the culvert under the bridge.
C2 noun /ˈkeɪ.tɪf/

caitiff

Meaning
A contemptible or cowardly person.
Example
The knight despised the caitiff who betrayed his comrades.
C2 noun /kəˈdʒoʊləri/

cajolery

Meaning
Flattering or coaxing talk intended to persuade someone.
Example
Through cajolery, he convinced his boss to grant him a raise.
C2 noun /koʊˈkɛt/

coquette

Meaning
a woman who flirts lightheartedly
Example
She was a coquette, always charming everyone at the party.
C2 noun /ˈkɒnsənəns/

consonance

Meaning
Agreement or harmony among parts; a pleasing combination of sounds in music or words.
Example
The consonance between their ideas made the project successful.
C2 adjective /ˈkrɒtʃ.ə.ti/

crotchety

Meaning
bad-tempered, easily annoyed, and often complaining
Example
The crotchety old man yelled at the children for playing near his house.
C2 noun /ˈtʃaɪ.nə bɑːks/

China box

Meaning
a small evergreen shrub with tiny white fragrant flowers
Example
The China box plant produced clusters of small white flowers.
C2 noun /ˌkɒnsæŋˈɡwɪnɪti/

consanguinity

Meaning
The fact of being descended from the same ancestor; blood relationship.
Example
The degree of consanguinity was important in inheritance laws.
C2 noun /ˈkæʒuɪstri/

casuistry

Meaning
The use of clever but false reasoning, especially in relation to moral questions.
Example
The lawyer’s argument was dismissed as mere casuistry.
C2 noun /ˌkɒməˈsɛəriət/

commissariat

Meaning
A department responsible for supplying food and equipment, especially in the military.
Example
The army commissariat ensured that the soldiers had enough supplies.
C2 verb /ˈkɒd.l̩/

coddle

Meaning
to treat someone with excessive care or kindness, often in a way that is overprotective
Example
Parents should support their children without coddling them.
C2 verb /ˌkɒnvəˈlɛs/

convalesce

Meaning
to recover health and strength after illness or medical treatment
Example
After the surgery, she spent several weeks convalescing at home.
C2 adjective /ˈkjʊərətɪv/

curative

Meaning
Able to cure disease or restore health.
Example
The doctor prescribed a curative treatment for the illness.
C2 noun /kəˈpærɪsən/

caparison

Meaning
an ornamental covering for a horse; rich and elaborate clothing or decoration
Example
The king’s horse was adorned with a golden caparison.
C2 noun /kəˈlɒsəti/

callosity

Meaning
A thickened or hardened area of skin; insensitivity or hardness of character.
Example
Years of manual labor left callosity on his hands.
C2 noun /ˈkɒɡneɪt/

cognate

Meaning
a word related to another word in origin; having the same linguistic root
Example
The Spanish word 'madre' and the English word 'mother' are cognates.
C2 verb /kənˈvʌls/

convulse

Meaning
to shake violently; to suffer sudden involuntary contractions
Example
The patient convulsed during the seizure.
C2 adjective /ˈkælkjʊləbl/

calculable

Meaning
Capable of being calculated, estimated, or measured.
Example
The risk involved in the project is calculable.
C2 noun /kəˈraʊzl/

carousal

Meaning
A noisy or lively drinking party or festivity.
Example
They were exhausted after a night of wild carousal.
C2 verb /kəˈmɪŋɡəl/

commingle

Meaning
To mix or blend different things together.
Example
The charity does not commingle donations with operational funds.
C2 noun /ˈkɒliər/

collier

Meaning
a person who works in coal mines or a ship carrying coal
Example
The collier spent long hours underground extracting coal.
C2 verb /kəˈraʊz/

carouse

Meaning
to drink and enjoy oneself noisily, often with others
Example
They stayed up all night to carouse after the victory.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪlieɪtɪd/

ciliated

Meaning
Having minute hairlike projections (cilia) on the surface of cells or organisms.
Example
The ciliated cells in the respiratory tract help move mucus out of the lungs.
C2 noun /ʃɪˈkeɪnəri/

chicanery

Meaning
The use of trickery or deception to achieve a purpose.
Example
The politician was accused of chicanery to win the election.
C2 noun /ˈkɒnk.leɪv/

conclave

Meaning
a private meeting, especially a secret or important one
Example
The leaders met in a secret conclave to discuss the strategy.
C2 noun /ˌkɒnvəˈluːʃən/

convolution

Meaning
a twist, coil, or a complex and intricate shape or arrangement
Example
The brain has many convolutions that increase its surface area.
C2 adjective /ˈkʌsɪd/

cussed

Meaning
Annoyingly stubborn or difficult.
Example
He was too cussed to admit his mistake.
C2 verb /ˈtʃeɪfɪŋ/

chafing

Meaning
To make sore by rubbing; to become irritated.
Example
The rough shoes were chafing his heels.
C2 noun /ˈkæt.kɪn/

Catkin

Meaning
a drooping, often tasseled cluster of small flowers found on willow and birch trees
Example
The willow tree's catkins swayed gently in the spring breeze.
C2 noun /ˈkɒɡ.nɪ.zəns/

cognizance

Meaning
Awareness, knowledge, or understanding of something; conscious perception.
Example
The judge took cognizance of the new evidence.
C2 noun/verb /ˈkʌdʒ.əl/

cudgel

Meaning
A short, thick stick used as a weapon; to beat with a cudgel.
Example
The guard used a cudgel to chase away the thief.
C2 noun/verb /ˈkɜːrtsi/

curtsy

Meaning
a respectful bow made by women by bending the knees with one foot in front of the other
Example
She gave a quick curtsy before leaving the stage.
C2 noun /kɒŋk/

Conch

Meaning
a large sea shell that can be used as a horn; the marine mollusk that lives in such a shell
Example
The fisherman blew the conch shell to signal the end of the day.
C2 verb /kruːn/

croon

Meaning
to sing or hum in a soft, low, and gentle voice
Example
She crooned a lullaby to help the baby fall asleep.
C2 noun /ˈkaʊntɪŋˌhaʊs/

counting-house

Meaning
a business office where accounts are kept and financial transactions are managed
Example
The merchant spent most of his day in the counting-house reviewing ledgers.
C2 noun ˌkɒdʒɪˈteɪʃən

cogitation

Meaning
The action of thinking deeply about something; contemplation
Example
After much cogitation, he made the final decision.
C2 adjective kaɪˈmɛr.ɪ.kəl

chimerical

Meaning
Illusory or impossible to achieve; existing only in imagination.
Example
His chimerical ideas often baffled realists.
C2 noun /ˌkɒl.əˈneɪd/

colonnade

Meaning
A row of evenly spaced columns supporting a roof, often in classical architecture.
Example
The visitors admired the grand colonnade at the entrance of the temple.
C2 adjective /koʊˈiːvəl/

coeval

Meaning
Having the same age, date of origin, or duration; contemporary.
Example
The philosopher was coeval with the rise of modern science.
C2 noun /ˈkʌvən/

coven

Meaning
a group or gathering of witches
Example
The witches met secretly in a coven in the forest.
C2 noun /ˈʃɑːrlətən/

charlatan

Meaning
a person who pretends to have knowledge or skills that they do not really possess; a fraud
Example
The so-called healer was exposed as a charlatan.
C2 verb /ˈkælvɪnaɪz/

calvinize

Meaning
to imbue with the principles or doctrines of Calvinism
Example
The preacher sought to calvinize the community with strict teachings.
C2 noun /ʃəˈɡrɪn/

chagrin

Meaning
Distress or embarrassment at having failed or been humiliated.
Example
She left the room in chagrin after forgetting her lines.
C2 noun /ˌkɒzməˈpɒlɪtənɪzəm/

cosmopolitanism

Meaning
the ideology that all human beings belong to a single community
Example
Cosmopolitanism promotes respect and understanding across cultures.
C2 noun /ˈkɒrənɛt/

coronet

Meaning
a small crown, especially one worn by a prince, princess, or noble
Example
She wore a delicate coronet on her head for the ceremony.
C2 noun /kəˈmɛstɪbəl/

comestible

Meaning
An item of food that can be eaten.
Example
The picnic basket was full of delicious comestibles.
C2 noun /ˈkjʊriˌoʊ/

curio

Meaning
a small unusual or interesting object, often collected for its rarity
Example
She bought a curio from the antique shop.
C2 noun /ˈkɒnsəvəˌtwɑː/

conservatoire

Meaning
A school specializing in the study of music or drama.
Example
She trained as a pianist at the Paris Conservatoire.
C2 verb /ˈkʌzən/

cozen

Meaning
to deceive, cheat, or trick someone
Example
He cozened the old man out of his money.
C2 noun /kɔːrˈteɪʒ/

cortege

Meaning
a solemn procession, especially for a funeral
Example
A cortege of mourners followed the hearse to the cemetery.
C2 noun /ˈkænə/

Canna

Meaning
a tropical flowering plant with large, colorful flowers and broad leaves
Example
The bright orange canna lilies grew tall beside the pond.
C2 adjective /ˌkloʊs ˈhɔːld/

close-hauled

Meaning
of a sailing ship, sailing as nearly as possible towards the direction from which the wind is blowing.
Example
The yacht was close-hauled as it cut through the waves.
C2 adjective /ˌser.ɪˈməʊ.ni.əs/

ceremonious

Meaning
marked by formality, politeness, or strict observance of customs
Example
He gave her a ceremonious bow before entering the hall.
C2 noun /ˈkæθoʊd/

cathode

Meaning
The negative electrode in a device such as a battery or tube, where electrons enter.
Example
The cathode emits electrons in the tube.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒndʒʊɡəl/

conjugal

Meaning
relating to marriage or the relationship between husband and wife
Example
They enjoyed a long life of conjugal happiness.
C2 verb /ˈkɔː.tə.raɪz/

cauterize

Meaning
to burn tissue to stop bleeding or prevent infection
Example
The doctor cauterized the wound to stop the bleeding.
C2 noun /ˈkɔːrpəskəl/

corpuscle

Meaning
a small particle or cell, especially a blood cell
Example
Red corpuscles carry oxygen throughout the body.
C2 verb /koʊˈhɪr/

cohere

Meaning
To stick together; to be united logically or physically.
Example
The ideas in his essay cohere well.
C2 verb /kənˈdjuːs/

conduce

Meaning
To help bring about a particular result; to contribute to something.
Example
Regular exercise conduces to better health.
C2 noun /ˈklaɪmɪŋ fɪʃ/

Climbing-fish

Meaning
a type of fish that can climb trees and survive out of water for short periods
Example
The climbing-fish can move from one pond to another by climbing trees.
C2 noun /ˌser.əˈbreɪ.ʃən/

cerebration

Meaning
the process of thinking or using the brain actively
Example
The lecture sparked intense cerebration among the students.
C2 noun ˌsɜːkəmˈspekʃən

circumspection

Meaning
The quality of being wary and unwilling to take risks; prudence.
Example
His circumspection ensured no mistakes were made.
C2 noun /ˈkærɪt/

caret

Meaning
A proofreading symbol (^) used to indicate where something should be inserted.
Example
The editor placed a caret to show where the missing word should go.
C2 noun /ˈkɒn.kɔːd/

concord

Meaning
Agreement or harmony between people or groups.
Example
The leaders worked towards international concord.
C2 noun /kənˈfɛsər/

confessor

Meaning
A person who confesses sins or secrets, especially to a priest.
Example
The confessor listened patiently to the troubled man.
C2 verb /ˈkɒdʒɪteɪt/

cogitate

Meaning
to think deeply about something; to meditate or reflect
Example
He sat by the river to cogitate on his future plans.
C2 adjective /ˈkreɪvən/

craven

Meaning
cowardly; lacking courage
Example
He was too craven to stand up for his beliefs.
C2 noun /ˌkɒnfəˈriː/

conferee

Meaning
a person who takes part in a conference
Example
Each conferee received a badge at the registration desk.
C2 noun /ˈkʌstərd ˈæpəl/

Custard Apple

Meaning
a tropical fruit with sweet creamy white flesh and black seeds
Example
The custard apple has a sweet and creamy texture.
C2 noun /kaɪˈmɪərə/

chimera

Meaning
A mythical creature with parts from different animals; also used to mean a fanciful illusion or unattainable dream.
Example
The idea of a perfect society is often a chimera.
C2 noun /ˈkoʊ.tə.ri/

coterie

Meaning
a small, exclusive group of people with shared interests
Example
He belonged to a coterie of artists who met every Friday.
C2 adjective /kənˌtɛmpəˈreɪniəs/

contemporaneous

Meaning
existing, happening, or occurring at the same time
Example
The two artists were contemporaneous and often influenced each other.
C2 noun /kɪˈrɒpədɪst/

chiropodist

Meaning
A healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats foot problems.
Example
The chiropodist treated her painful corns and calluses.
C2 verb /ˈsɜːrkəmskraɪb/

circumscribe

Meaning
to limit or restrict something within boundaries
Example
The rules circumscribe the powers of the committee.
C2 noun/verb /ˈkætˌkɔːl/

catcall

Meaning
A loud whistle or shout of disapproval or sexual harassment directed at someone.
Example
The actress ignored the catcalls from the crowd.
C2 noun /ˌkæl.sɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

calcification

Meaning
The process of calcium accumulation in soil, making it hard.
Example
Calcification reduces soil permeability and affects crop growth.
C2 verb /ˈtʃɔːrtl/

chortle

Meaning
to laugh in a breathy, gleeful way
Example
The audience chortled at the comedian's witty remarks.
C2 adjective /ˈkɑːrpɪŋ/

carping

Meaning
continually complaining or finding fault in a petty way
Example
His carping attitude makes teamwork difficult.
C2 adjective /kəˈprɪʃəs/

capricious

Meaning
given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
Example
The stock market can be capricious, shifting dramatically without warning.
C2 verb /kɔːk/

calk

Meaning
To make a boat or ship watertight by filling seams or cracks.
Example
The workers calked the seams of the old boat to prevent leaks.
C2 adjective /ˌkɑːmənˈsɛnsɪkəl/

commonsensical

Meaning
based on or showing sound practical judgment; sensible
Example
It was commonsensical to carry an umbrella on a rainy day.
C2 noun /kənˈtrɪʃ.ən/

contrition

Meaning
the state of feeling remorseful and repentant
Example
His contrition was evident after the apology.
C2 noun /sɛnˈtjʊəriən/

centurion

Meaning
A commander of a unit of one hundred soldiers in the ancient Roman army.
Example
The centurion led his men into battle with courage.
C2 noun /ˌkɛəriˈætɪd/

caryatid

Meaning
A stone carving of a draped female figure, used as a supporting column in architecture.
Example
The ancient temple featured a caryatid holding up the roof.
C2 adjective /ˈkoʊməˌtoʊs/

comatose

Meaning
In a state of deep unconsciousness, resembling or related to coma.
Example
The comatose patient was kept under constant observation.
C2 noun /ˈklæŋər/

clangor

Meaning
A loud, resonant, and continuous noise, often metallic.
Example
The clangor of the church bells filled the town square.
C2 noun /ˈkloʊðiər/

clothier

Meaning
a person or company that makes, sells, or deals in clothes.
Example
The town’s clothier displayed fine suits in his shop window.
C2 noun /kəˈkɒfəni/

cacophony

Meaning
A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
Example
The cacophony of horns made it impossible to concentrate.
C2 verb /ˌsɜːrkəmˈnævɪɡeɪt/

circumnavigate

Meaning
to travel all the way around something, especially the earth
Example
Magellan was the first to circumnavigate the globe.
C2 noun /ˌkʌl.pəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/

culpability

Meaning
responsibility for a fault or wrong; blameworthiness
Example
The jury considered his level of culpability in the crime.
C2 noun /ˈkɒd.ɪ.sɪl/

codicil

Meaning
a legal document that makes changes or additions to an existing will
Example
He added a codicil to his will to include his granddaughter.
C2 verb /ʧeɪf/

chafe

Meaning
To make or become sore by rubbing; to feel irritation or impatience.
Example
The tight shoes began to chafe his heels.
C2 noun /kəˈliːdʒən/

collegian

Meaning
a student of a college
Example
The collegians were preparing for the cultural festival.
C2 noun, verb /ˈkæŋkər/

canker

Meaning
A fungal disease of plants; an ulcerous sore in the mouth; to corrupt or destroy slowly
Example
The tree was infected with a canker that damaged its bark.
C2 noun /kənˌdʒiː.niˈæl.ə.t̬i/

congeniality

Meaning
The quality of being pleasant, friendly, and easy to talk to.
Example
His congeniality makes him popular among friends.
C2 noun /kænt/

cant

Meaning
Hypocritical and insincere talk, especially about moral or religious principles.
Example
The politician's speech was filled with cant about honesty and integrity.
C2 noun /ˌkɔːrnjuˈkoʊpiə/

cornucopia

Meaning
an abundance or overflowing supply of something
Example
The festival offered a cornucopia of fruits and sweets.
C2 noun /kɒɡˈnoʊmən/

cognomen

Meaning
A family name or surname; an additional name or nickname.
Example
His cognomen became widely known in literary circles.
C2 noun /ˈsɜːrtɪˌtjuːd/

certitude

Meaning
Absolute certainty or conviction about something.
Example
She spoke with certitude about the outcome of the case.
C2 noun /ʃɪˈfɒn/

chiffon

Meaning
A lightweight, sheer fabric often used in dresses or scarves.
Example
She wore a beautiful chiffon dress at the party.
C2 noun /ˈkɒn.tjʊ.mə.si/

contumacy

Meaning
stubborn refusal to obey authority
Example
His contumacy led to his suspension from the council.