Perishable
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C1 adjective /ˈperɪʃəbəl/

Perishable

Meaning
liable to decay quickly; short-lived
Example
Store perishable foods in the refrigerator.
C1 noun /prəˈtruːʒən/

protrusion

Meaning
Something that sticks out or projects from a surface.
Example
The protrusion on the wall made it difficult to move the furniture.
C1 noun /pləˈsiːboʊ/

placebo

Meaning
a substance with no therapeutic effect, used as a control in testing new drugs
Example
The patient was given a placebo to compare the effect of the real drug.
C1 noun /ˈpɛnənt/

pennant

Meaning
A tapering flag used for signaling or as an emblem of victory or achievement.
Example
The team raised the championship pennant proudly.
C1 noun /pəˈlɪɡ.ə.mi/

Polygamy

Meaning
the practice of marrying multiple spouses at the same time
Example
Polygamy is illegal in many countries around the world.
C1 noun /ˌpɜːrsɪˈkjuːʃn/

persecution

Meaning
the act of treating someone cruelly or unfairly because of their religion, race, or beliefs
Example
The persecution of minorities has been condemned worldwide.
C1 noun /ˈpær.ət biːk/

Parrot Beak

Meaning
a climbing plant with curved red and orange flowers resembling a parrot's beak
Example
The parrot beak flower's unique curved shape makes it a fascinating addition to any garden.
C1 noun /ˈpɛntəɡən/

pentagon

Meaning
A plane figure with five straight sides and five angles; also refers to the US Department of Defense building.
Example
The Pentagon is one of the most iconic government buildings in the United States.
C1 noun /ˌprɑːfɪˈtɪr/

profiteer

Meaning
a person who makes excessive profits, especially unfairly or illegally
Example
The government punished war profiteers.
C1 adjective /ˈplʌk.i/

plucky

Meaning
having or showing courage and determination
Example
The plucky child rescued the kitten from the tree.
C1 noun /ˈpɛdɪɡriː/

pedigree

Meaning
the recorded ancestry or lineage of a person, family, or animal; the history or origin of something
Example
The dog has a pedigree that traces back several generations.
C1 adjective /ˈpɜːrsənəbl/

personable

Meaning
having a pleasant appearance and manner; attractive and friendly
Example
The new teacher is very personable and easy to talk to.
C1 noun /fɪˈlæn.θrə.pi/

philanthropy

Meaning
the desire to promote the welfare of others, often expressed by the generous donation of money to good causes
Example
Philanthropy has helped improve healthcare in many developing countries.
C1 adjective /priˈɛmptɪv/

preemptive

Meaning
Serving or intended to prevent something by taking action first.
Example
The government took preemptive measures to control inflation.
C1 adjective /prəˈvɒkətɪv/

provocative

Meaning
Intended to make people angry, excited, or interested.
Example
She wore a provocative dress to the party.
C1 noun /ˈpɑːr.keɪ/

parquet

Meaning
A floor made of wooden blocks arranged in a geometric pattern.
Example
The old mansion had a beautiful parquet floor.
C1 noun /ˈpær.ə.kiːt/

Parakeet

Meaning
a small colorful parrot with a long tail, often kept as a pet
Example
The green parakeet learned to say hello.
C1 verb /prɪˈkluːd/

preclude

Meaning
To prevent something from happening; to make impossible.
Example
Heavy rain precluded the possibility of a picnic.
C1 adjective prəˈvɪnʃəl

provincial

Meaning
Of or concerning a province of a country or empire.
Example
Bengali was not just a provincial language.
C1 noun /ˈpɪntʃərz/

pinchers

Meaning
a tool used for gripping or squeezing objects
Example
Use the pinchers to remove the hot coal safely.
C1 noun /pərˈveɪər/

purveyor

Meaning
a person or business that supplies goods, services, or information
Example
He is a well-known purveyor of fine wines.
C1 noun, adjective /ˌpəʊstˈmɔːtəm/

postmortem

Meaning
An examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death.
Example
The doctor carried out a postmortem on the body.
C1 verb /ˈpʌlseɪt/

pulsate

Meaning
to expand and contract rhythmically; to throb or beat
Example
The neon lights pulsated with a steady rhythm.
C1 adjective /pɑːrtʃt/

parched

Meaning
extremely dry, especially because of heat or thirst
Example
After walking in the desert, he was parched with thirst.
C1 adjective /prəˈfjuːs/

profuse

Meaning
existing or given in large amounts; abundant
Example
He offered profuse thanks for their timely help.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːrpɪtreɪtər/

perpetrator

Meaning
a person who commits a harmful, illegal, or immoral act
Example
The police arrested the perpetrator of the crime.
C1 noun /ˈpiː.hən/

Peahen

Meaning
female peacock
Example
The peahen is less colorful than the male peacock.
C1 noun ˈpær.ə.daɪm

paradigm

Meaning
A typical example or pattern of something; a model or framework for understanding or approaching something.
Example
The paradigm of education is changing with digital technology.
C1 noun /ˈpɪnəkəl/

pinnacle

Meaning
the highest point or peak of something, especially of success or achievement
Example
Winning the Nobel Prize was the pinnacle of her career.
C1 adjective /pæˈseɪ/

passe

Meaning
no longer fashionable or current; out of date
Example
Some trends from last decade feel utterly passé now.
C1 adjective /prəˈdɪdʒəs/

prodigious

Meaning
remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree
Example
The team made a prodigious effort to complete the project on time.
C1 noun /ˈprɒdɪdʒi/

prodigy

Meaning
a person, especially a young one, with exceptional talents or abilities
Example
Mozart was a child prodigy in music.
C1 noun /ˈpɒp.i siːdz/

Poppy Seeds

Meaning
tiny round seeds from the poppy plant used as a spice or garnish in cooking
Example
Poppy seeds are sprinkled on top of breads and used in Bengali curries.
C1 verb /praʊl/

prowl

Meaning
To move around quietly and secretly, especially while hunting or searching.
Example
The cat prowled around the garden at night.
C1 noun /plæsˈtɪsəti/

plasticity

Meaning
the quality of being easily shaped or molded; adaptability
Example
The brain's plasticity allows it to adapt after injury.
C1 verb /priːˈɛmpt/

preempt

Meaning
To take action in order to prevent something from happening; to take the place of something.
Example
The government acted quickly to preempt a financial crisis.
C1 noun /pərˈkʌʃən/

percussion

Meaning
Musical instruments that are played by striking, shaking, or scraping, such as drums or cymbals.
Example
The percussion section added rhythm and energy to the orchestra.
C1 noun /ˈprɒksi/

proxy

Meaning
A person authorized to act on behalf of another; a substitute.
Example
She voted by proxy at the meeting.
C1 noun /prɪˈdɒmɪnəns/

predominance

Meaning
The state of being greater in number, strength, or importance.
Example
The predominance of online shopping has changed retail forever.
C1 verb /ˈpændər/

pander

Meaning
to indulge or exploit the weaknesses, desires, or immoral tendencies of others
Example
The politician was accused of pandering to voters' fears.
C1 noun /ˈpræɡmətɪst/

pragmatist

Meaning
A person who deals with things in a practical and realistic way.
Example
He is a true pragmatist who values results over ideals.
C1 noun ˈpraʊ.es

prowess

Meaning
Skill or expertise in a particular activity or field.
Example
Prowess in sports enhances team strength.
C1 noun /pʌnˈdʒɑː.bi/

Punjabi

Meaning
a traditional long shirt worn in South Asia, typically loose-fitting
Example
He wore a white punjabi for the festival celebration.
C1 verb /ˈprɪkəl/

prickle

Meaning
to cause a slight stinging or tingling sensation on the skin
Example
Her skin began to prickle in the cold wind.
C1 noun prəˈpʌl.ʃən

propulsion

Meaning
The action of driving or pushing forward.
Example
Jet engines provide propulsion for aircraft to travel long distances.
C1 adjective /priːˈɛmɪnənt/

preeminent

Meaning
Surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way.
Example
She is a preeminent scientist in the field of genetics.
C1 noun

Peck

C1 adjective /prɪˈkoʊʃəs/

precocious

Meaning
Showing advanced development or maturity at an unusually early age.
Example
The precocious child was reading novels at the age of five.
C1 noun ˈpɛd.ə.ɡɒ.dʒi

pedagogy

Meaning
The method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept.
Example
Modern pedagogy focuses on student-centered learning.
C1 noun /ˈpriːsɪŋkt/

precinct

Meaning
A district or area within the boundaries of a city, often for police or electoral purposes.
Example
She went to vote at her local precinct.
C1 verb /piːk/

pique

Meaning
to stimulate interest or curiosity; to arouse resentment or anger
Example
Her remarks piqued his curiosity about the secret project.
C1 noun /ˌpæl.pɪˈteɪ.ʃən/

Palpitation

Meaning
a noticeably rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat due to agitation or medical condition
Example
She experienced palpitations before her job interview.
C1 adjective /pərˈvɜːrs/

perverse

Meaning
showing a deliberate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable, contrary, or unacceptable
Example
He took a perverse pleasure in upsetting his colleagues.
C1 adjective /praɪˈmiːvəl/

primeval

Meaning
Relating to the earliest ages in history; ancient and primitive.
Example
The explorers ventured into the primeval forest untouched by humans.
C1 adjective /prəˈfeɪn/

profane

Meaning
showing disrespect or contempt for sacred things; irreverent or vulgar
Example
His jokes were considered too profane for the ceremony.
C1 adjective /ˈpiːvɪʃ/

peevish

Meaning
Easily irritated, especially by unimportant things.
Example
The child grew peevish when denied candy.
C1 noun /ˈpɛndənt/

pendant

Meaning
a piece of jewelry that hangs from a chain worn around the neck
Example
She wore a silver pendant around her neck.
C1 adjective /pɪˈkjuːniˌɛri/

pecuniary

Meaning
relating to money or financial matters
Example
They faced pecuniary difficulties after the business failed.
C1 noun /ˈpiːɒn/

peon

Meaning
a low-ranking worker, often performing menial tasks
Example
The office peon delivered the files to each department.
C1 noun /ˈpɛs.tɪ.saɪd ˈrɛz.ɪ.djuː/

pesticide-residue

Meaning
Chemical remnants left over from pesticides used on crops or in soil.
Example
Excess pesticide-residue in food can be harmful to health.
C1 verb pleɪɡd

plagued

Meaning
Troubled or afflicted persistently by problems or difficulties.
Example
People are plagued by anxiety and depression.
C1 noun /pəˈzɛsər/

possessor

Meaning
A person who owns or holds something.
Example
The possessor of the land built a new house.
C1 adjective /ˈpʌlməˌneri/

pulmonary

Meaning
relating to the lungs
Example
The patient suffered from a serious pulmonary infection.
C1 adjective /pərˈsɛptɪv/

perceptive

Meaning
Having or showing keen insight, understanding, or awareness.
Example
She is very perceptive and quickly notices when something is wrong.
C1 adjective /pəˈnʌltɪmət/

penultimate

Meaning
second to the last in a sequence or series
Example
She finished the penultimate chapter before going to sleep.
C1 adjective /ˈpiːkənt/

piquant

Meaning
having a pleasantly sharp or spicy taste; interestingly provocative
Example
The chef added a piquant sauce to the dish to enhance its flavor.
C1 noun /ˈpɑːrtʃmənt/

parchment

Meaning
a thin material made from animal skin, used in the past for writing
Example
The ancient manuscript was written on parchment.
C1 noun /ˌpærəˈnɔɪə/

paranoia

Meaning
an irrational and persistent feeling that people are 'out to get you' or are constantly watching you
Example
His constant paranoia made it hard for him to trust anyone.
C1 adjective + noun ˌpaɪəˈnɪərɪŋ ˈmɪʃən

pioneering mission

Meaning
A groundbreaking or innovative undertaking that leads the way in a particular field.
Example
Artemis is a pioneering mission in space exploration.
C1 noun /ˈpɛnɪtəns/

penitence

Meaning
The action or feeling of showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong.
Example
His eyes were full of penitence after realizing his mistake.
C1 verb /ˈpærəfreɪz/

paraphrase

Meaning
To express the meaning of something using different words, often to make it clearer.
Example
The teacher asked the students to paraphrase the poem in their own words.
C1 adjective /pərˈpɔːrtɪd/

purported

Meaning
alleged or claimed to be true, often without proof
Example
The purported evidence was later proven false.
C1 noun proʊˈæktɪv ˈseɪvɪŋ

proactive saving

Meaning
Actively planning and setting aside money in advance to prepare for future financial needs
Example
Proactive saving ensures financial stability in old age.
C1 noun /ˈpɒlɪɡlɒt/

polyglot

Meaning
a person who knows and can use several languages
Example
She is a polyglot, fluent in English, Spanish, and Bengali.
C1 noun /ˈpɔːr.kjə.paɪn/

Porcupine

Meaning
a large rodent with defensive spines or quills on its body
Example
The porcupine raised its quills when threatened.
C1 noun /pəˈræl.ə.sɪs/

Paralysis

Meaning
the loss of the ability to move part or all of the body; complete inability to act or function
Example
The accident left him with paralysis in his legs.
C1 noun /ˈpæstər/

pastor

Meaning
a minister in charge of a Christian church or congregation
Example
The pastor delivered a heartfelt sermon on compassion.
C1 adjective /ˈpɜːrtɪnənt/

pertinent

Meaning
Relevant or applicable to a particular matter.
Example
She asked a pertinent question during the meeting.
C1 noun /pɪˈtaɪə/

Pitaya / Dragon fruit

Meaning
a tropical fruit with bright pink or red skin and white flesh speckled with black seeds
Example
The pitaya has a mild, sweet flavor and a unique appearance.
C1 noun /ˈpruːdəns/

prudence

Meaning
The quality of being cautious, wise, and exercising good judgment.
Example
She invested her money with great prudence.
C1 noun /ˈproʊbeɪt/

probate

Meaning
the official proving of a will in a court of law
Example
The family had to go through probate after his death.
C1 adjective /proʊˈzeɪ.ɪk/

prosaic

Meaning
ordinary, dull, or lacking imagination
Example
The teacher’s explanation was accurate but rather prosaic.
C1 noun /ˈpæŋkriəs/

pancreas

Meaning
A gland in the abdomen that produces insulin and digestive enzymes.
Example
The pancreas plays a vital role in digestion and blood sugar regulation.
C1 noun /pəˈnæʃ/

panache

Meaning
Flamboyant confidence of style or manner; distinctive and stylish elegance.
Example
He delivered his speech with great panache.
C1 noun /ˈpɛndjələm/

pendulum

Meaning
A weight suspended from a pivot so that it swings freely, often used to regulate clocks.
Example
The pendulum swung back and forth inside the clock.
C1 adjective /ˈpəʊtəbl/

potable

Meaning
safe to drink; drinkable
Example
The villagers did not have access to potable water.
C1 adjective /ˈpriːmə/

prima

Meaning
first or most important; excellent
Example
She was treated as the prima ballerina of the troupe.
C1 noun ˌpriːˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃən

preoccupation

Meaning
The state of being absorbed in thought; mental distraction.
Example
His preoccupation with work led to neglecting his personal life.
C1 noun prɪˈzɜː.və.tɪvz

preservatives

Meaning
A substance used to preserve foodstuffs, wood, or other materials against decay.
Example
Many processed foods contain harmful preservatives.
C1 noun /ˈpoʊʃən/

potion

Meaning
a liquid with healing, magical, or poisonous properties
Example
The witch gave the hero a healing potion.
C1 adjective /ˌsaɪkoʊsəˈmætɪk/

psychosomatic

Meaning
Relating to a physical illness or condition caused or aggravated by mental factors such as stress.
Example
Her stomach pain was diagnosed as psychosomatic, linked to stress.
C1 noun /prəˈpoʊnənt/

proponent

Meaning
a person who advocates for or supports a particular idea, cause, or plan
Example
She is a strong proponent of renewable energy.
C1 verb /per/

pare

Meaning
to cut away the outer covering or reduce something gradually
Example
She pared the apple before eating it.
C1 adjective /præɡˈmæt.ɪk/

pragmatic

Meaning
Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than idealistic considerations.
Example
He took a pragmatic approach to solving the financial crisis.
C1 verb /ˌpriːˈmɛdɪteɪt/

premeditate

Meaning
to think about and plan something (especially a crime) beforehand
Example
The suspect was accused of premeditating the crime.
C1 adjective /ˈpleɪntɪv/

plaintive

Meaning
expressing sadness or sorrow
Example
He raised a plaintive cry for help.
C1 adverb /pɜːr ˈseɪ/

per se

Meaning
By or in itself; intrinsically.
Example
The idea is not bad per se, but it needs improvement.
C1 adjective /ˈpjuː.ni/

puny

Meaning
Small, weak, or insignificant.
Example
He felt puny compared to his stronger classmates.
C1 noun /ˈsuːdənɪm/

pseudonym

Meaning
a fictitious name used by an author instead of their real name
Example
Mark Twain was the pseudonym of Samuel Clemens.
C1 adjective /ˈpɑːm.pəs/

Pompous

Meaning
showing off; pretentious; overly grand
Example
His pompous attitude annoyed everyone at the meeting.
C1 noun /pəˈpaɪrəs/

papyrus

Meaning
An ancient writing material made from the pith of the papyrus plant; also refers to the plant itself.
Example
The ancient scroll was written on papyrus.
C1 adjective /ˈpræk.tɪ.kə.bəl/

practicable

Meaning
able to be done or put into practice successfully
Example
The plan is not practicable without more resources.
C1 noun /ˈpɒpjʊlɪst/

populist

Meaning
A politician or person who seeks to appeal to ordinary people who feel their concerns are ignored by elites.
Example
The populist leader promised to put the needs of common citizens first.
C1 noun /ˌpriːməˈnɪʃən/ or /ˌprɛm-/

premonition

Meaning
a strong feeling that something is about to happen, often something negative
Example
She had a premonition of danger before the trip.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːʃən/

Persian

Meaning
a native or inhabitant of Iran; the language spoken in Iran (Farsi)
Example
The Persian language has a rich literary history.
C1 adjective /ˌpæθəˈdʒɛnɪk/

pathogenic

Meaning
Capable of causing disease.
Example
Some bacteria are harmless, while others are highly pathogenic.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːrpɔːrt/

purport

Meaning
to claim or profess something, often falsely
Example
The document purports to be an official government report.
C1 noun /prɪˈzʌmp.ʃən/

Presumption

Meaning
an idea that is taken to be true without proof
Example
There is a presumption of innocence in the legal system.
C1 verb /priːˈɒkjʊpaɪ/

preoccupy

Meaning
To dominate or engross the mind of someone to the exclusion of other thoughts.
Example
Worries about the future preoccupy him constantly.
C1 noun /pəˈtɜːrnəti/

paternity

Meaning
The state of being someone's father.
Example
He demanded a paternity test to confirm his relationship with the child.
C1 noun /prɪˈrɒɡətɪv/

prerogative

Meaning
a special right or privilege exclusive to a particular person or group
Example
It is the manager’s prerogative to make the final decision.
C1 noun /ˌpænəˈsiːə/

panacea

Meaning
A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases.
Example
Education is often seen as a panacea for social problems.
C1 noun /ˈpleɪdʒərɪzəm/

plagiarism

Meaning
the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own
Example
The student was expelled for committing plagiarism in his essay.
C1 verb /ˈpæmpər/

pamper

Meaning
to treat with excessive care and attention; to spoil
Example
Parents often pamper their first child.
C1 noun/verb /ˈprɛdɪkət/ (noun), /ˈprɛdɪkeɪt/ (verb)

predicate

Meaning
noun: the part of a sentence that tells something about the subject; verb: to base or establish something on a particular idea
Example
His theory is predicated on sound research.
C1 noun /ˈpæntəmaɪm/

pantomime

Meaning
A type of theatrical performance using gestures and movements without spoken words; in Britain, a musical comedy play for families performed at Christmas.
Example
The children enjoyed the Christmas pantomime at the local theater.
C1 adverb /ˈpiːs.miːl/

Piecemeal

Meaning
done or made gradually, one piece at a time; fragmentary; unsystematic
Example
The renovation was done piecemeal over several years due to budget constraints.
C1 noun /ˈpɛdəstəl/

pedestal

Meaning
the base or support on which a statue or object stands
Example
The statue was placed on a marble pedestal.
C1 adjective /ˈprevələnt/

Prevalent

Meaning
widespread; existing very commonly; generally occurring
Example
Smoking is still prevalent among teenagers despite health warnings.
C1 adjective /ˌpærəˈdɒksɪkəl/

paradoxical

Meaning
Seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense, yet possibly true.
Example
It is paradoxical that standing is often more tiring than walking.
C1 noun /ˌpiːdiˈætrɪks/

pediatrics

Meaning
the branch of medicine dealing with the health and medical care of children
Example
She decided to specialize in pediatrics after medical school.