Vocabularies

English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples

noun
/ˈbɑːr.nɪ.kəl/

a marine crustacean that attaches itself permanently to underwater surfaces

"The old ship's hull was covered with barnacles."

noun
/ˈbærəˌɡræf/

an instrument that records changes in atmospheric pressure

"The scientist checked the barograph for pressure variations."

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barometer

noun
/bəˈrɒmɪtər/

an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure

"The barometer indicated a storm was approaching."

adjective
/bəˈroʊk/

relating to a highly ornate and extravagant style of art, architecture, or music from the 17th and early 18th centuries; excessively elaborate or complex

"The church was decorated in a baroque style with intricate details."

noun
/bəˈrɑːʒ/

a concentrated outpouring of questions, criticisms, or blows; a rapid, continuous attack

"The politician faced a barrage of tough questions from reporters."

🛢️

barrel

noun
/ˈbærəl/

a large cylindrical container used to hold liquids

"The wine was stored in a wooden barrel."

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Barren

adjective
/ˈbærən/

too poor to produce much or any vegetation; unproductive or empty

"The land was barren and could not support crops."

noun/verb
/ˌbærɪˈkeɪd/

a barrier erected to block or defend against movement; to block a passage with obstacles

"Protesters built a barricade across the street."

barrier definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
/ˈbæriər/

a fence, obstacle, or circumstance that prevents progress or access

"Language can be a barrier to communication."

barriers definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
/ˈbæɹɪəz/

Something that prevents progress or access; obstacles or hindrances.

"Language barriers can make communication difficult."

preposition
/ˈbɑːrɪŋ/

except for; if not for

"Barring a miracle, the team will not win the championship."

noun
/ˈbærɪstər/

A type of lawyer in certain legal systems who specializes in courtroom advocacy and litigation.

"The barrister argued the case passionately before the judge."

verb
/ˈbɑːrtər/

To exchange goods or services without using money.

"They bartered their crops for handmade tools."

barter system definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
/ˈbɑːr.tər ˌsɪs.təm/

A system of exchange where goods and services are traded directly without using money.

"Ancient civilizations used the barter system for trade."

noun
/ˈbɑːrtərər/

A person who trades goods or services without using money.

"The barterer exchanged fruits for some pottery."

base definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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base

noun, verb
/beɪs/

The lowest part or foundation of something; or to establish something upon.

"The company is based in London."

noun
/ˈbeɪsˌbɔːl/

a sport in which two teams try to score runs by hitting a ball and running around bases

"He loves watching baseball games on TV."

noun
/ˈbeɪsbɔːrd/

A narrow board running along the bottom of an interior wall, covering the joint between wall and floor.

"The carpenter painted the baseboard white."

adjective
/ˈbeɪs.ləs/

without foundation; groundless; unfounded

"The accusations against him were completely baseless."

noun
/ˈbeɪsmənt/

the lowest floor of a building, usually partly or completely below ground

"The laundry room is in the basement."

adjective
/ˈbæʃ.fəl/

shy, easily embarrassed, or reluctant to draw attention

"She gave a bashful smile when he complimented her."

🔑

Basic

adjective
/ˈbeɪsɪk/

forming the most important or simplest part of something

"She taught me the basic rules of chess."

adverb
/ˈbeɪsɪkli/

in the most important or fundamental way; essentially

"Basically, the project was a success despite some small issues."

🌿

Basil

noun
/ˈbeɪ.zəl/

an aromatic herb with green leaves used in cooking, especially Italian cuisine

"The pasta sauce was flavored with fresh basil."

noun
/ˈbeɪ.zəl siːdz/

small black seeds from the basil plant, often used in drinks and desserts

"I added basil seeds to my lemonade for a refreshing drink."

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basis

noun
/ˈbeɪsɪs/

the underlying support or foundation for an idea, argument, or process

"Trust is the basis of any strong relationship."

bask definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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bask

verb
/bæsk/

to lie in and enjoy warmth or to take great pleasure in something

"She basked in the sun on the beach."

noun
/ˈbæskɪt/

a container made of woven materials used for carrying or storing things

"She carried the apples in a basket."

noun
/ˈbæskɪtbɔːl/

a game played by two teams who try to score points by throwing a ball through a hoop

"He loves playing basketball with his friends."

🎸

bass

noun
/beɪs/

the lowest adult male singing voice; also, low-frequency sounds in music or a type of fish

"He played the bass guitar at the concert."

noun
/bəˈsuːn/

a large woodwind instrument with a deep sound

"The orchestra featured a beautiful bassoon solo."

noun/adjective
/ˈbæstərd/

a child born to unmarried parents (offensive); also used informally as an insult or to describe something unpleasant

"He called him a bastard in anger."

noun
/ˈbæs.tərd tiːk/

A flowering tree with bright orange-red flowers, also known as flame of the forest

"The bastard teak tree blooms with vibrant orange flowers in spring."

noun
/ˌbæstərdaɪˈzeɪʃən/

the act of corrupting, degrading, or misrepresenting something

"Critics called the remake a bastardization of the original film."

verb
/ˈbæstərdaɪz/

to corrupt or debase something by altering it from its original form; to change in a way that reduces quality or purity

"Critics argue that the remake bastardized the original novel."

🥩

baste

verb
/beɪst/

to pour or brush melted fat, juices, or liquid over meat during cooking to keep it moist

"She basted the turkey every 30 minutes to keep it juicy."

noun
/ˈbæs.ti.ən/

a stronghold or fortification; a place or institution strongly defending particular principles

"The castle stood as a bastion against enemy attacks."

bat definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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bat

noun
/bæt/

a wooden or metal club used to hit a ball in sports like baseball or cricket

"He swung the bat and hit the ball hard."

🍪

batch

noun
/bætʃ/

a quantity of items produced or processed at one time

"She baked a fresh batch of cookies this morning."

😮‍💨

bate

verb
/beɪt/

to lessen or restrain; to diminish the force or intensity of something

"He spoke with bated breath as he waited for the result."

🛁

Bath

noun
/bɑːθ/

an act of washing the body in water; or the container used for this purpose

"She took a long bath after work."

bathe definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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bathe

verb
/beɪð/

to wash oneself; to clean the body with water

"I bathe every morning before going to work."

adjective
/bəˈθɛt.ɪk/

displaying insincere or trivial emotion; producing an unintended ridiculous effect through sudden change from serious to silly

"The movie's ending was unintentionally bathetic rather than tragic."

noun
/ˈbɑːθruːm/

a room containing a toilet and usually a sink or shower

"The bathroom is on the second floor."

bathymetry definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
/bəˈθɪm.ə.tri/

The measurement of depth of water in oceans, seas, or lakes.

"Bathymetry is essential for understanding oceanic topography."

🎶

baton

noun
/bəˈtɒn/

A thin stick carried by a conductor to direct an orchestra, or used as a symbol of authority.

"The conductor raised his baton to begin the symphony."

noun
/bəˈtæljən/

A large body of soldiers ready for battle, typically consisting of several companies.

"The battalion was deployed to the front line."

verb
/ˈbætn/

To fasten or secure something tightly.

"They battened down the hatches before the storm."

verb
/ˈbætər/

To strike repeatedly with force.

"The waves battered the shoreline all night."

noun
/ˈbætəri/

A device that stores and provides electrical energy; also refers to a group of similar things or repeated blows.

"The phone battery ran out after a long day."