keystone species
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
C1 noun ˈkiː.stəʊn ˈspiː.ʃiːz

keystone species

Meaning
A species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, such that if it were removed the ecosystem would change drastically.
Example
Wolves are a keystone species that regulate prey populations.
C1 noun /ˈkærət/

karat

Meaning
A unit for measuring the purity of gold, with 24 karats being pure gold.
Example
The ring was made of 18-karat gold.
C2 noun /ˌkiː.təʊˈdʒen.ɪ.sɪs/

ketogenesis

Meaning
The metabolic process by which the liver produces ketones from fatty acids, providing an alternative energy source during low carbohydrate availability.
Example
Ketogenesis occurs during fasting or low-carb diets.
C2 noun /kəˈdʌm.bə/

Kadamba

Meaning
A tropical tree with round, fragrant orange flowers, sacred in Hindu culture and associated with Lord Krishna
Example
The kadamba tree is mentioned frequently in ancient Indian poetry.
C2 noun /ˈkɜːrtʃɪf/

kerchief

Meaning
a piece of cloth worn around the head or neck
Example
She wore a red kerchief on her head.
B2 noun /ˈkiːɒsk/

kiosk

Meaning
A small, open-fronted hut or cubicle from which newspapers, refreshments, tickets, etc., are sold.
Example
She bought a bottle of water from the kiosk near the station.
B1 noun; gerund /ˈnɪtɪŋ/

knitting

Meaning
the craft or activity of making fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with needles; the act of forming something closely or firmly together
Example
She spends her evenings knitting scarves for her family.
A1 noun /kiːp/

Keep

Meaning
food and other things necessary for living; the strongest part of a castle
Example
He worked hard to earn his keep and support his family.
C2 noun /kɪθ/

kith

Meaning
Friends, acquaintances, and relations.
Example
He invited all his kith and kin to the wedding.
C2 noun /kəˈrɒn.də/

Karonda

Meaning
a small dark purple berry-like fruit that is sour and used in pickles
Example
Karonda is often used to make pickles and preserves.
C1 noun /nɒb/

Knob

Meaning
a rounded handle on a door or drawer; a small rounded switch on a machine
Example
He turned the brass knob to open the old wooden door.
B2 verb /nɪt/

knit

Meaning
To make clothes or fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with needles.
Example
She loves to knit scarves for her friends during the winter.
B2 adjective /ˌkaɪnd ˈhɑːrtɪd/

kind-hearted

Meaning
Having a kind and generous nature; showing compassion and care for others.
Example
She is known as a kind-hearted teacher who always helps her students.
A2 noun

Kiss

C1 adjective /ˈnæk.ərd/

Knackered

Meaning
extremely tired; exhausted
Example
I'm absolutely knackered after working all day.
B1 noun /kɪt/

kit

Meaning
a set of tools, equipment, or materials used for a particular purpose
Example
He bought a first aid kit for emergencies.
C2 noun /kɪln/

kiln

Meaning
a furnace or oven for burning, baking, or drying, especially one for firing pottery or bricks
Example
The potter placed the clay pots into the kiln for firing.
C2 noun /kəˈbɑːdi/

kabadi

Meaning
a person who collects and sells scrap or recyclable materials, especially in South Asia
Example
The kabadi came every week to collect old newspapers and bottles.
B2 noun /ˈkɪlɪŋ/

killing

Meaning
the act of causing death, especially deliberately
Example
The movie depicts the brutal killing of the villagers.
B2 noun /ˈkiː.pər/

Keeper

Meaning
a person whose job it is to guard or take care of something or someone; a goalkeeper
Example
The zoo keeper fed the animals every morning at eight o'clock.
C2 noun /ˌklɛptəˈmeɪniæk/

kleptomaniac

Meaning
A person with an irresistible urge to steal, typically without need or profit.
Example
The kleptomaniac was caught shoplifting again.
C2 noun /neɪv/

Knave

Meaning
a dishonest person, especially a man; a playing card with a picture of a male servant
Example
The knave tried to cheat the old woman out of her savings.
A2 adjective /noʊn/

known

Meaning
recognized or familiar; something that is identified or acknowledged
Example
He is a well-known actor in the country.
C2 noun /ˈkɪŋɡlɪŋ/

kingling

Meaning
A minor or petty king; a ruler of small importance.
Example
The kingling demanded respect from his people despite his small realm.
A2 adjective /kəˈriːən/

korean

Meaning
relating to Korea, its people, language, or culture
Example
We went to a Korean restaurant for dinner.
C2 adjective /ˈnɒti/

knotty

Meaning
Complicated, difficult to solve or full of knots.
Example
He faced a knotty legal issue.
B2 noun /ˈkɪdni/

Kidney

Meaning
either of a pair of organs that filter waste products from the blood and produce urine
Example
Drinking plenty of water helps keep your kidneys healthy.
B2 noun /ˈker.ə.siːn/

Kerosene

Meaning
a combustible hydrocarbon liquid widely used as a fuel in lamps and heating systems
Example
The old lamp burned kerosene to provide light during power outages.
C1 noun /ˈkɜːrnəl/

kernel

Meaning
the central, most important part of something; the edible part of a nut or seed
Example
The kernel of the argument was about fairness.
A2 noun /ˈnɒl.ɪdʒ/

knowledge

Meaning
Facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education.
Example
Knowledge of the universe is expanding through research.
B1 noun

Kindness

C1 verb /niːd/

knead

Meaning
to work dough or clay into a uniform mixture by pressing, folding, and stretching
Example
She kneads the dough until it becomes smooth.
C1 noun

Kin

C1 noun /ˈken.əl/

Kennel

Meaning
a small shelter for a dog; an establishment for the breeding or boarding of dogs
Example
The dog slept comfortably in his wooden kennel in the backyard.
C2 noun /noʊl koʊl/

Knol khol

Meaning
round bulbous vegetable from cabbage family with pale green color and mild taste
Example
Knol khol can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in curries.
A2 noun /nɒk/

Knock

Meaning
a sudden sharp blow; the sound of striking something
Example
There was a loud knock at the door late at night.
A2 noun /ˈket.əl/

Kettle

Meaning
a container used for boiling water, typically with a lid, spout, and handle
Example
The electric kettle whistled when the water reached boiling point.
C2 noun /ˈkɪldʒɔɪ/

killjoy

Meaning
a person who spoils the fun or enjoyment of others
Example
Don’t be a killjoy at the party.
C1 noun /ˈnaɪt.hʊd/

knighthood

Meaning
The rank or dignity of a knight, or the ceremony of conferring knighthood.
Example
He was honored with knighthood for his contributions to science.
C1 noun /kɪˈməʊnoʊ/

kimono

Meaning
a traditional Japanese robe with wide sleeves, tied with a sash
Example
She wore a beautiful silk kimono at the ceremony.
A1 noun

Kind

A2 noun /ˈkɪndərˌɡɑːrtn/

kindergarten

Meaning
a school or class for young children, typically between the ages of four and six
Example
She enrolled her child in kindergarten to prepare for elementary school.
B2 verb /niːl/

kneel

Meaning
to go down on one's knees; to rest on the knees
Example
The knight knelt before the king.
B2 noun /nɒt/

Knot

Meaning
a fastening made by tying a piece of string, rope, or something similar; a hard mass in wood
Example
The sailor tied a secure knot to anchor the boat safely.
A1 noun

Kitchen

B1 noun /ˈkiː.wi/

Kiwi

Meaning
a small brown fruit with green flesh and black seeds; a flightless bird from New Zealand
Example
I love eating fresh kiwi for breakfast.
C2 verb /ˌkaʊˈtaʊ/

kowtow

Meaning
To act in an excessively subservient or obedient manner.
Example
He refused to kowtow to the unreasonable demands.
C1 noun /ˈkɪŋ.fɪʃ.ər/

King-Fisher

Meaning
a small bird with bright blue and orange feathers that catches fish by diving into water
Example
The colorful kingfisher dove into the pond to catch a fish.
C1 adjective /kɪˈnɛtɪk/

kinetic

Meaning
Relating to or resulting from motion.
Example
Kinetic energy increases as the object moves faster.
C1 noun /næk/

knack

Meaning
a natural skill or ability; a special talent for doing something easily
Example
She has a knack for making people feel comfortable.
B1 noun /ˈkɪlər/

killer

Meaning
A person or thing that kills.
Example
The police caught the killer last night.
A2 noun /ˈketʃ.ʌp/

Ketch-up

Meaning
a thick sauce made chiefly from tomatoes, vinegar, and spices
Example
She squeezed some ketchup on her french fries before eating them.
C2 noun /ˈneɪvəri/

knavery

Meaning
dishonest or deceitful behavior; trickery
Example
The politician’s knavery was exposed by the media.
C1 noun /ˈkɪləˌwɒt/

kilowatt

Meaning
a unit of power equal to 1,000 watts
Example
The generator produces ten kilowatts of electricity.
C1 noun /kəˈlaɪdəˌskoʊp/

kaleidoscope

Meaning
A toy or instrument with mirrors and colored pieces that create changing patterns when rotated; also used metaphorically for a constantly changing sequence of patterns or elements.
Example
The city lights turned into a kaleidoscope of colors as the festival began.
A2 noun

King

B2 adjective /ˈnɑː.lɪ.dʒə.bəl/

Knowledgeable

Meaning
having extensive knowledge; well-informed; educated
Example
She is very knowledgeable about ancient history.
C2 noun /ˈkedʒ.ə.riː/

Kedgeree

Meaning
a European dish of cooked rice, fish, and hard-boiled eggs, originally from India
Example
The breakfast menu featured traditional kedgeree with smoked haddock and eggs.
C1 adverb /ˈnoʊɪŋli/

knowingly

Meaning
in a way that shows you are aware of something; intentionally
Example
She knowingly kept the secret from her friends.
B2 adjective /ˈnoʊ.ɪŋ/

Knowing

Meaning
showing awareness or understanding; perceptive; shrewd
Example
She gave him a knowing smile when he mentioned the secret.
C2 noun /nɛl/

knell

Meaning
The sound of a bell, especially when rung solemnly for a death or funeral; a signal of the end or failure of something.
Example
The knell of the church bell echoed through the valley at dusk.
B1 noun /kɪk/

Kick

Meaning
a blow or forceful thrust with the foot; a sudden strong feeling of excitement
Example
The soccer player scored a goal with a powerful kick from outside the penalty area.
C2 adjective /ˈkɪŋ.ki/

Kinky

Meaning
having or involving unconventional sexual practices; having tight curls or bends
Example
His kinky hair made him look unique.
B1 noun /naɪt/

Knight

Meaning
a man given a rank of honor by a British king or queen; a medieval warrior on horseback
Example
The brave knight rescued the princess from the dragon's castle.
C2 noun /noʊl/

Knoll

Meaning
a small rounded hill or mound
Example
The old oak tree stood majestically on top of the grassy knoll.
A2 noun /naɪf/

Knife

Meaning
a cutting instrument with a sharp blade
Example
She used a sharp knife to cut the vegetables for dinner.
C1 noun /ˈkiːpˌseɪk/

keepsake

Meaning
An object kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event.
Example
She gave me a small locket as a keepsake of our friendship.
C1 noun, adjective /ˈkɪndrəd/

kindred

Meaning
A person's relatives or family; similar in nature or character.
Example
They discovered kindred spirits in each other.
B1 noun

Kingdom

A2 noun /ˈkɪt.ən/

Kitten

Meaning
a young cat
Example
The little kitten loves to play with yarn balls.
A1 noun /kiː/

Key

Meaning
a small piece of shaped metal used to operate a lock; something that provides a means of access
Example
She lost her house key and couldn't get inside until the locksmith arrived.
A2 noun /ˈkiːbɔːrd/

keyboard

Meaning
a set of keys used to operate a computer, typewriter, or similar device for inputting text and commands
Example
She typed the report quickly on her keyboard.
B1 adjective /kiːn/

Keen

Meaning
sharp; acute; intense; eager
Example
She has a keen interest in science.
C2 noun

Kinsfolk

B2 verb /ˈkɪdnæp/

kidnap

Meaning
to take someone away illegally by force
Example
The criminals kidnapped the wealthy businessman.
C2 adjective /ˈnaɪt.li/

Knightly

Meaning
having the characteristics of a knight; chivalrous; noble and brave
Example
He showed knightly courage in defending the innocent.
B1 noun /kɪˈlɒmɪtər/ or /ˈkɪləˌmiːtər/

kilometer

Meaning
a unit of length equal to 1,000 meters
Example
The village is about five kilometers away from the town.
C2 noun /ˈkɪzmɛt/

kismet

Meaning
Destiny or fate.
Example
Meeting her on that day felt like pure kismet.
C1 verb /ˈkɪndəl/

kindle

Meaning
to light a fire; to arouse or inspire
Example
She kindled the campfire with dry wood.
C2 noun /ˈkɪŋʃɪp/

kingship

Meaning
The position, dignity, or authority of a king.
Example
The king’s advisors often reminded him of the responsibilities of kingship.
A2 verb /kɪl/

kill

Meaning
to cause the death of; to end life
Example
The hunter killed the deer.
B2 noun

Kitchen garden

A1 verb /noʊ/

know

Meaning
to have information about something; to be familiar with
Example
I know the answer to this question.
C2 noun /kɛn/

ken

Meaning
one's range of knowledge or understanding
Example
Quantum physics is beyond my ken.
A2 noun /niː/

Knee

Meaning
the joint connecting the thigh and the lower leg in humans
Example
He fell and scraped his knee on the pavement.
B1 noun /ˈkɪləɡræm/

kilogram

Meaning
the base unit of mass in the metric system equal to 1,000 grams
Example
The bag of rice weighs five kilograms.
C2 noun /ˈkɪləˌliːtər/

kiloliter

Meaning
a unit of capacity equal to 1,000 liters
Example
The tank can hold up to three kiloliters of water.
C1 noun /ˈkuːdɒs/

kudos

Meaning
Praise and honor received for an achievement.
Example
She received kudos for her excellent performance.
C2 noun /ˈnɪk.næk/

knickknack

Meaning
A small decorative object, especially in a house.
Example
The shelf was full of little knickknacks collected from their travels.
A2 noun

Kite

A2 verb /kɪd/

kid

Meaning
to joke or tease; to speak in a playful manner
Example
I'm just kidding with you.
A2 noun /ˌkæŋ.ɡəˈruː/

Kangaroo

Meaning
a large marsupial from Australia that moves by hopping on its strong hind legs
Example
The kangaroo jumped high with its joey in its pouch.
B1 adverb; adjective /ˈkaɪndli/

kindly

Meaning
in a kind or gentle manner; showing kindness or goodwill
Example
She kindly helped the old man cross the street.