ha·bit·u·al ( h…-b¹ch"›-…l) adj. 1. a. Of the nature of a habit: habitual lying. b. Being such by force of habit: a habitual liar. See note at chronic . 2. Established by long use; usual: my habitual place. See note at usual . ha·bit "u·al·ly adv. ha·bit "u·al·ness n.

i·dle ( ºd"l) adj. i·dler i·dlest 1. a. Not employed or busy: idle carpenters. See note at inactive . b. Avoiding work or employment; lazy: shiftless, idle youth. See note at lazy . c. Not in use or operation: idle hands. 2. Lacking substance, value, or basis. See note at baseless . See note at vain . v. i·dled i·dling i·dles v. intr. 1. To pass time without working or while avoiding work. 2. To move lazily and without purpose. 3. To run at a slow speed or out of gear. Used of a motor vehicle. v. tr. 1. To pass (time) without working or while avoiding work; waste: idle the afternoon away. 2. To make or cause to be unemployed or inactive. 3. To cause (a motor, for example) to idle. [Middle English idel from Old English ºdel] i "dle·ness n. i "dler ( ºd"l…r) n. i "dly adv.

en·tail ( µn-t³l", ¹ n-) v. tr. en·tailed en·tail·ing en·tails 1. To have, impose, or require as a necessary accompaniment or consequence: an investment that entailed high risk. 2. To limit the inheritance of (property) to a specified succession of heirs. 3. To bestow or impose on a person or a specified succession of heirs. n. 1. a. The act of entailing, especially property. b. The state of being entailed. 2. An entailed estate. 3. A predetermined order of succession, as to an estate or to an office. 4. Something transmitted as if by unalterable inheritance. [Middle English entaillen to limit inheritance to specific heirs en- intensive pref.; See en- 1 taille tail; See tail 2 ] en·tail "ment n.

sa·cra ( s³"kr…, s ²k"r…) n. 1. Plural of sacrum .

sa·crum ( s³"kr…m, s ²k"r…m) n. pl. sa·cra ( s³"kr…, s ²k"r…) 1. A triangular bone made up of five fused vertebrae and forming the posterior section of the pelvis. [New Latin from Late Latin (os) sacrum ( translation of Greek hieron (osteon) sacred bone) ( hieros sacred) ( osteon bone) from Latin sacer sacred; See sacred ]

scare ( skâr) v. scared scar·ing scares v. tr. 1. To strike with sudden fear; alarm. See note at frighten . v. intr. 1. To become frightened: a child who scares easily. n. 1. A condition or sensation of sudden fear. 2. A general state of alarm; a panic: a bomb scare that necessitated evacuating the building. adj. 1. Serving or intended to frighten people: scare stories; scare tactics.

Phrasal Verbs: scare up Informal 1. To gather or prepare with considerable effort or ingenuity: managed to scare up some folding chairs for the unexpected crowd. [Middle English skerren, scaren from Old Norse skirra from skjarr timid] scar "er n.

scarf 1 ( skärf) n. pl. scarfs ( skärfs) or scarves ( skärvz) 1. A long piece of cloth worn about the head, neck, or shoulders. 2. A decorative cloth for covering the top of a piece of furniture; a runner. 3. A sash indicating military rank. v. tr. scarfed scarf·ing scarfs 1. To dress, cover, or decorate with or as if with a scarf. 2. To wrap (an outer garment) around one like a scarf. [French dialectal escarpe sash, sling from Old North French variant of Old French escherpe pilgrim's bag hung from neck from Frankish *skirpja small rush from Latin scirpus rush]

scarf 2 ( skärf) n. pl. scarfs ( skärfs) 1. A joint made by cutting or notching the ends of two pieces correspondingly and strapping or bolting them together. Also Called scarf joint . 2. Either of the correspondingly cut or notched ends that fit together to form such a joint. v. tr. scarfed scarf·ing scarfs 1. To join by means of a scarf. 2. To cut a scarf in. [Middle English skarf as in scarfnail probably from Old Norse skarfr end piece of a board cut off on the bias]

scarf 3 ( skärf) v. tr. scarfed scarf·ing scarfs Slang 1. To eat or drink voraciously; devour: " Americans scarf down 50 million hot dogs on an average summer day " George F. Will [Variant of scoff 2 ] scarf "er n.

sker- 1 . Important derivatives are: shear share 1 shears scabbard score shard short shirt skirt skirmish screen carnage carnal carnation carnival carrion carnivorous incarnate curt cortex sharp scrap 1 scrape scrub 1 shrub 1 screw Also ker- To cut. I. Basic form *sker- , *ker- . 1. a. SHEAR , from Old English scieran , sceran , to cut; b. SHEER 1 , from Low German scheren , to move to and fro, and Dutch scheren , to withdraw, depart. Both a and b from Germanic *skeran . 2. a. SHARE 2 , from Old English sc ¶ar, plowshare; b. SHARE 1 , from Old English scearu , scaru , portion, division (but recorded only in the sense of " fork of the body, " " tonsure"). Both a and b from Germanic *skeraz . 3. a. SHEAR , from Old English sc ¶ar, scissors, from Germanic *sk ¶r-½- and *sker-ez- ; b. compound *sk ¶r-berg-, " sword protector, " scabbard (see bhergh- 1 ). SCABBARD , from Old French escauberc , scabbard, possibly from a Germanic source akin to Old High German scarberc , scabbard. Both a and b from Germanic *sk ¶r-. 4. SCORE , from Old Norse skor , notch, tally, twenty, from Germanic *skur- . 5. SCAR 2 , SKERRY , from Old Norse sker , low reef ( < " something cut off "), from Germanic suffixed form *skar-jam . 6. Suffixed o-grade extended form *skorp-o- . SCARF 2 , from Old Norse skarfr , diagonally-cut end of a board, from Germanic *skarfaz . 7. Suffixed o-grade extended form *skord-o- . SHARD , from Old English sceard , a cut, notch, from Germanic *skardaz . 8. Extended form *skerd- in suffixed zero-grade form *sk —d-o-. a. SHORT , from Old English scort , sceort , " cut," short; b. SHIRT , from Old English scyrte , skirt ( < " cut piece "); c. SKIRT , from Old Norse skyrta , shirt. a, b, and c all from Germanic *skurtaz . 9. a. SKIRMISH , from Old French eskermir , to fight with a sword, fence, and Old Italian scaramuccia , skirmish, from a source akin to Old High German skirmen , to protect; b. SCREEN , from Middle Dutch scherm , shield. Both a and b from Germanic extended form *skerm- . 10. Variant form *kar- . CARNAGE , CARNAL , CARNASSIAL , CARNATION , CARNIVAL , CARRION , CARUNCLE , CHARNEL , CRONE ; CARNIVOROUS , INCARNATE , from Latin car ½ (stem carn- ), flesh. 11. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-yo . CORIACEOUS , CORIUM , CUIRASS , CURRIER ; EXCORIATE , from Latin corium , leather (originally " piece of hide "). 12. Suffixed zero-grade form *k —-to-. CURT , CURTAL , KIRTLE , from Latin curtus , short. 13. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-mo- . CORM , from Greek kormos , a trimmed tree trunk. 14. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-i- . COREOPSIS , from Greek koris , bedbug ( < " cutter"). 15. Suffixed zero-grade form. SHORE 1 , from Old English scora , shore, from Germanic *skur- ½. II. Extended roots *skert- , *kert- . 1. Zero-grade form *k —t- or o-grade form *kort- . CORTEX ; DECORTICATE , from Latin cortex , bark ( < " that which can be cut off "). 2. Suffixed form *kert-sn ³-. CENACLE , from Latin c ¶na, meal ( < " portion of food "). III. Extended root *skerp- . SCURF , probably from a Scandinavian source akin to Old English sceorf , scab, scurf, from Germanic *skerf- . IV. Extended root *skerb(h)- , *skreb(h)- . 1. a. SHARP , from Old English scearp , slope; b. SCARP , from Italian scarpa , embankment, possibly from a Germanic source akin to Gothic skarp ½, pointed object. Both a and b from Germanic *skarpaz , cutting, sharp. 2. a. SCRAP 1 , from Old Norse skrap , " pieces," remains; b. SCRAPE , from Old Norse skrapa , to scratch. Both a and b from Germanic *skrap- . 3. a. SCRABBLE , from Middle Dutch schrabben , to scrape; b. SCRUB 1 , from Middle Dutch schrobben , to scrape. Both a and b from Germanic *skrab- . 4. SHRUB 1 , from Old English scrybb , shrub ( < " rough plant "), from Germanic *skrub- . 5. SCROBICULATE , from Latin scrobis , trench, ditch. 6. SCREW , SCROFULA , from Latin scr ½fa, a sow ( < " rooter, digger ").[ Pokorny 4. sker- , Section I. 938. ]

scarp ( skärp) n. 1. An escarpment. v. tr. scarped scarp·ing scarps 1. To cut or make into an escarpment. [Italian scarpa slope perhaps of Germanic origin; See sker- 1 in Indo-European Roots.]

sker- 1 . Important derivatives are: shear share 1 shears scabbard score shard short shirt skirt skirmish screen carnage carnal carnation carnival carrion carnivorous incarnate curt cortex sharp scrap 1 scrape scrub 1 shrub 1 screw Also ker- To cut. I. Basic form *sker- , *ker- . 1. a. SHEAR , from Old English scieran , sceran , to cut; b. SHEER 1 , from Low German scheren , to move to and fro, and Dutch scheren , to withdraw, depart. Both a and b from Germanic *skeran . 2. a. SHARE 2 , from Old English sc ¶ar, plowshare; b. SHARE 1 , from Old English scearu , scaru , portion, division (but recorded only in the sense of " fork of the body, " " tonsure"). Both a and b from Germanic *skeraz . 3. a. SHEAR , from Old English sc ¶ar, scissors, from Germanic *sk ¶r-½- and *sker-ez- ; b. compound *sk ¶r-berg-, " sword protector, " scabbard (see bhergh- 1 ). SCABBARD , from Old French escauberc , scabbard, possibly from a Germanic source akin to Old High German scarberc , scabbard. Both a and b from Germanic *sk ¶r-. 4. SCORE , from Old Norse skor , notch, tally, twenty, from Germanic *skur- . 5. SCAR 2 , SKERRY , from Old Norse sker , low reef ( < " something cut off "), from Germanic suffixed form *skar-jam . 6. Suffixed o-grade extended form *skorp-o- . SCARF 2 , from Old Norse skarfr , diagonally-cut end of a board, from Germanic *skarfaz . 7. Suffixed o-grade extended form *skord-o- . SHARD , from Old English sceard , a cut, notch, from Germanic *skardaz . 8. Extended form *skerd- in suffixed zero-grade form *sk —d-o-. a. SHORT , from Old English scort , sceort , " cut," short; b. SHIRT , from Old English scyrte , skirt ( < " cut piece "); c. SKIRT , from Old Norse skyrta , shirt. a, b, and c all from Germanic *skurtaz . 9. a. SKIRMISH , from Old French eskermir , to fight with a sword, fence, and Old Italian scaramuccia , skirmish, from a source akin to Old High German skirmen , to protect; b. SCREEN , from Middle Dutch scherm , shield. Both a and b from Germanic extended form *skerm- . 10. Variant form *kar- . CARNAGE , CARNAL , CARNASSIAL , CARNATION , CARNIVAL , CARRION , CARUNCLE , CHARNEL , CRONE ; CARNIVOROUS , INCARNATE , from Latin car ½ (stem carn- ), flesh. 11. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-yo . CORIACEOUS , CORIUM , CUIRASS , CURRIER ; EXCORIATE , from Latin corium , leather (originally " piece of hide "). 12. Suffixed zero-grade form *k —-to-. CURT , CURTAL , KIRTLE , from Latin curtus , short. 13. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-mo- . CORM , from Greek kormos , a trimmed tree trunk. 14. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-i- . COREOPSIS , from Greek koris , bedbug ( < " cutter"). 15. Suffixed zero-grade form. SHORE 1 , from Old English scora , shore, from Germanic *skur- ½. II. Extended roots *skert- , *kert- . 1. Zero-grade form *k —t- or o-grade form *kort- . CORTEX ; DECORTICATE , from Latin cortex , bark ( < " that which can be cut off "). 2. Suffixed form *kert-sn ³-. CENACLE , from Latin c ¶na, meal ( < " portion of food "). III. Extended root *skerp- . SCURF , probably from a Scandinavian source akin to Old English sceorf , scab, scurf, from Germanic *skerf- . IV. Extended root *skerb(h)- , *skreb(h)- . 1. a. SHARP , from Old English scearp , slope; b. SCARP , from Italian scarpa , embankment, possibly from a Germanic source akin to Gothic skarp ½, pointed object. Both a and b from Germanic *skarpaz , cutting, sharp. 2. a. SCRAP 1 , from Old Norse skrap , " pieces," remains; b. SCRAPE , from Old Norse skrapa , to scratch. Both a and b from Germanic *skrap- . 3. a. SCRABBLE , from Middle Dutch schrabben , to scrape; b. SCRUB 1 , from Middle Dutch schrobben , to scrape. Both a and b from Germanic *skrab- . 4. SHRUB 1 , from Old English scrybb , shrub ( < " rough plant "), from Germanic *skrub- . 5. SCROBICULATE , from Latin scrobis , trench, ditch. 6. SCREW , SCROFULA , from Latin scr ½fa, a sow ( < " rooter, digger ").[ Pokorny 4. sker- , Section I. 938. ]

scar 1 ( skär) n. 1. A mark left on the skin after a surface injury or wound has healed. 2. A lingering sign of damage or injury, either mental or physical: nightmares, anxiety, and other enduring scars of wartime experiences. 3. Botany A mark indicating a former attachment, as of a leaf to a stem. 4. A mark, such as a dent, resulting from use or contact. v. scarred scar·ring scars v. tr. 1. To mark with a scar. 2. To leave lasting signs of damage on: a wretched childhood that scarred his psyche. v. intr. 1. To form a scar: The pustule healed and scarred. 2. To become scarred: delicate skin that scars easily. [Middle English alteration of escare from Old French scab from Late Latin eschara from Greek eskhara hearth, scab caused by burning]

scar 2 ( skär) n. 1. A protruding, isolated rock. 2. A bare, rocky place on a mountainside or other steep slope. [Middle English skerre from Old Norse sker low reef; See sker- 1 in Indo-European Roots.]

scar·y ( skâr"¶) adj. scar·i·er scar·i·est 1. Causing fright or alarm. 2. Easily scared; very timid. scar "i·ly adv. scar "i·ness n.

score ( skôr, sk ½r) n. 1. A notch or an incision, especially one that is made to keep a tally. 2. Sports Games a. A usually numerical record of a competitive event: keeping score. b. The total number of points made by each competitor or side in a contest, either final or at a given stage: The score stood tied in the bottom of the ninth inning. c. The number of points attributed to a competitor or team. 3. A result, usually expressed numerically, of a test or examination. 4. a. An amount due; a debt. b. A grievance that is harbored and requires satisfaction: settle an old score. 5. A ground; a reason. 6. A group of 20 items. 7. scores Large numbers: Scores of people attended the rally. 8. Music a. The written form of a composition for orchestral or vocal parts, either complete or for a particular instrument or voice. b. A composition written for a musical comedy. 9. Slang a. The act of securing an advantage, especially a surprising or significant gain: " He had dropped out of school and gone for that quick dollar, that big score " Peter Goldman b. The act or an instance of buying illicit drugs. c. A successful robbery. d. A sexual conquest. v. scored scor·ing scores v. tr. 1. To mark with lines or notches, especially for the purpose of keeping a record. 2. To cancel or eliminate by or as if by superimposing lines. 3. To mark the surface of (meat, for example) with usually parallel cuts. 4. Sports Games a. To gain (a point) in a game or contest. b. To count or be worth as points. 5. To achieve; win. 6. To evaluate and assign a grade to. 7. Music a. To orchestrate. b. To arrange for a specific instrument. 8. To criticize cuttingly; berate. 9. Slang a. To succeed in acquiring: scored two tickets to the play. b. To succeed in obtaining (an illicit drug): " Aging punks try to impress her with tales of . . . the different drugs they've scored " Art Jahnke v. intr. 1. Sports Games a. To make a point in a game or contest. b. To keep the score of a game or contest. 2. Slang a. To achieve a purpose or advantage, especially to make a surprising gain or coup: " They . . . score in places like the bond market " Mike Barnicle b. To succeed in seducing someone sexually. c. To succeed in buying or obtaining an illicit drug. [Middle English from Old English *scoru twenty from Old Norse skor; See sker- 1 in Indo-European Roots.] scor "er n.

sker- 1 . Important derivatives are: shear share 1 shears scabbard score shard short shirt skirt skirmish screen carnage carnal carnation carnival carrion carnivorous incarnate curt cortex sharp scrap 1 scrape scrub 1 shrub 1 screw Also ker- To cut. I. Basic form *sker- , *ker- . 1. a. SHEAR , from Old English scieran , sceran , to cut; b. SHEER 1 , from Low German scheren , to move to and fro, and Dutch scheren , to withdraw, depart. Both a and b from Germanic *skeran . 2. a. SHARE 2 , from Old English sc ¶ar, plowshare; b. SHARE 1 , from Old English scearu , scaru , portion, division (but recorded only in the sense of " fork of the body, " " tonsure"). Both a and b from Germanic *skeraz . 3. a. SHEAR , from Old English sc ¶ar, scissors, from Germanic *sk ¶r-½- and *sker-ez- ; b. compound *sk ¶r-berg-, " sword protector, " scabbard (see bhergh- 1 ). SCABBARD , from Old French escauberc , scabbard, possibly from a Germanic source akin to Old High German scarberc , scabbard. Both a and b from Germanic *sk ¶r-. 4. SCORE , from Old Norse skor , notch, tally, twenty, from Germanic *skur- . 5. SCAR 2 , SKERRY , from Old Norse sker , low reef ( < " something cut off "), from Germanic suffixed form *skar-jam . 6. Suffixed o-grade extended form *skorp-o- . SCARF 2 , from Old Norse skarfr , diagonally-cut end of a board, from Germanic *skarfaz . 7. Suffixed o-grade extended form *skord-o- . SHARD , from Old English sceard , a cut, notch, from Germanic *skardaz . 8. Extended form *skerd- in suffixed zero-grade form *sk —d-o-. a. SHORT , from Old English scort , sceort , " cut," short; b. SHIRT , from Old English scyrte , skirt ( < " cut piece "); c. SKIRT , from Old Norse skyrta , shirt. a, b, and c all from Germanic *skurtaz . 9. a. SKIRMISH , from Old French eskermir , to fight with a sword, fence, and Old Italian scaramuccia , skirmish, from a source akin to Old High German skirmen , to protect; b. SCREEN , from Middle Dutch scherm , shield. Both a and b from Germanic extended form *skerm- . 10. Variant form *kar- . CARNAGE , CARNAL , CARNASSIAL , CARNATION , CARNIVAL , CARRION , CARUNCLE , CHARNEL , CRONE ; CARNIVOROUS , INCARNATE , from Latin car ½ (stem carn- ), flesh. 11. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-yo . CORIACEOUS , CORIUM , CUIRASS , CURRIER ; EXCORIATE , from Latin corium , leather (originally " piece of hide "). 12. Suffixed zero-grade form *k —-to-. CURT , CURTAL , KIRTLE , from Latin curtus , short. 13. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-mo- . CORM , from Greek kormos , a trimmed tree trunk. 14. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-i- . COREOPSIS , from Greek koris , bedbug ( < " cutter"). 15. Suffixed zero-grade form. SHORE 1 , from Old English scora , shore, from Germanic *skur- ½. II. Extended roots *skert- , *kert- . 1. Zero-grade form *k —t- or o-grade form *kort- . CORTEX ; DECORTICATE , from Latin cortex , bark ( < " that which can be cut off "). 2. Suffixed form *kert-sn ³-. CENACLE , from Latin c ¶na, meal ( < " portion of food "). III. Extended root *skerp- . SCURF , probably from a Scandinavian source akin to Old English sceorf , scab, scurf, from Germanic *skerf- . IV. Extended root *skerb(h)- , *skreb(h)- . 1. a. SHARP , from Old English scearp , slope; b. SCARP , from Italian scarpa , embankment, possibly from a Germanic source akin to Gothic skarp ½, pointed object. Both a and b from Germanic *skarpaz , cutting, sharp. 2. a. SCRAP 1 , from Old Norse skrap , " pieces," remains; b. SCRAPE , from Old Norse skrapa , to scratch. Both a and b from Germanic *skrap- . 3. a. SCRABBLE , from Middle Dutch schrabben , to scrape; b. SCRUB 1 , from Middle Dutch schrobben , to scrape. Both a and b from Germanic *skrab- . 4. SHRUB 1 , from Old English scrybb , shrub ( < " rough plant "), from Germanic *skrub- . 5. SCROBICULATE , from Latin scrobis , trench, ditch. 6. SCREW , SCROFULA , from Latin scr ½fa, a sow ( < " rooter, digger ").[ Pokorny 4. sker- , Section I. 938. ]

scorn ( skôrn) n. 1. a. Contempt or disdain felt toward a person or object considered despicable or unworthy. b. The expression of such an attitude in behavior or speech; derision. 2. One spoken of or treated with contempt. v. scorned scorn·ing scorns v. tr. 1. To consider or treat as contemptible or unworthy. 2. To reject or refuse with derision. See note at despise . v. intr. 1. To express contempt; scoff. [Middle English from Old French escarn of Germanic origin] scorn "er n. scorn "ful adj. scorn "ful·ly adv. scorn "ful·ness n.

scurf ( skûrf) n. 1. Scaly or shredded dry skin, such as dandruff. 2. A loose, scaly crust coating a surface, especially of a plant. [Middle English probably of Scandinavian origin; See sker- 1 in Indo-European Roots.] scurf "i·ness n. scurf "y adj.

sker- 1 . Important derivatives are: shear share 1 shears scabbard score shard short shirt skirt skirmish screen carnage carnal carnation carnival carrion carnivorous incarnate curt cortex sharp scrap 1 scrape scrub 1 shrub 1 screw Also ker- To cut. I. Basic form *sker- , *ker- . 1. a. SHEAR , from Old English scieran , sceran , to cut; b. SHEER 1 , from Low German scheren , to move to and fro, and Dutch scheren , to withdraw, depart. Both a and b from Germanic *skeran . 2. a. SHARE 2 , from Old English sc ¶ar, plowshare; b. SHARE 1 , from Old English scearu , scaru , portion, division (but recorded only in the sense of " fork of the body, " " tonsure"). Both a and b from Germanic *skeraz . 3. a. SHEAR , from Old English sc ¶ar, scissors, from Germanic *sk ¶r-½- and *sker-ez- ; b. compound *sk ¶r-berg-, " sword protector, " scabbard (see bhergh- 1 ). SCABBARD , from Old French escauberc , scabbard, possibly from a Germanic source akin to Old High German scarberc , scabbard. Both a and b from Germanic *sk ¶r-. 4. SCORE , from Old Norse skor , notch, tally, twenty, from Germanic *skur- . 5. SCAR 2 , SKERRY , from Old Norse sker , low reef ( < " something cut off "), from Germanic suffixed form *skar-jam . 6. Suffixed o-grade extended form *skorp-o- . SCARF 2 , from Old Norse skarfr , diagonally-cut end of a board, from Germanic *skarfaz . 7. Suffixed o-grade extended form *skord-o- . SHARD , from Old English sceard , a cut, notch, from Germanic *skardaz . 8. Extended form *skerd- in suffixed zero-grade form *sk —d-o-. a. SHORT , from Old English scort , sceort , " cut," short; b. SHIRT , from Old English scyrte , skirt ( < " cut piece "); c. SKIRT , from Old Norse skyrta , shirt. a, b, and c all from Germanic *skurtaz . 9. a. SKIRMISH , from Old French eskermir , to fight with a sword, fence, and Old Italian scaramuccia , skirmish, from a source akin to Old High German skirmen , to protect; b. SCREEN , from Middle Dutch scherm , shield. Both a and b from Germanic extended form *skerm- . 10. Variant form *kar- . CARNAGE , CARNAL , CARNASSIAL , CARNATION , CARNIVAL , CARRION , CARUNCLE , CHARNEL , CRONE ; CARNIVOROUS , INCARNATE , from Latin car ½ (stem carn- ), flesh. 11. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-yo . CORIACEOUS , CORIUM , CUIRASS , CURRIER ; EXCORIATE , from Latin corium , leather (originally " piece of hide "). 12. Suffixed zero-grade form *k —-to-. CURT , CURTAL , KIRTLE , from Latin curtus , short. 13. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-mo- . CORM , from Greek kormos , a trimmed tree trunk. 14. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-i- . COREOPSIS , from Greek koris , bedbug ( < " cutter"). 15. Suffixed zero-grade form. SHORE 1 , from Old English scora , shore, from Germanic *skur- ½. II. Extended roots *skert- , *kert- . 1. Zero-grade form *k —t- or o-grade form *kort- . CORTEX ; DECORTICATE , from Latin cortex , bark ( < " that which can be cut off "). 2. Suffixed form *kert-sn ³-. CENACLE , from Latin c ¶na, meal ( < " portion of food "). III. Extended root *skerp- . SCURF , probably from a Scandinavian source akin to Old English sceorf , scab, scurf, from Germanic *skerf- . IV. Extended root *skerb(h)- , *skreb(h)- . 1. a. SHARP , from Old English scearp , slope; b. SCARP , from Italian scarpa , embankment, possibly from a Germanic source akin to Gothic skarp ½, pointed object. Both a and b from Germanic *skarpaz , cutting, sharp. 2. a. SCRAP 1 , from Old Norse skrap , " pieces," remains; b. SCRAPE , from Old Norse skrapa , to scratch. Both a and b from Germanic *skrap- . 3. a. SCRABBLE , from Middle Dutch schrabben , to scrape; b. SCRUB 1 , from Middle Dutch schrobben , to scrape. Both a and b from Germanic *skrab- . 4. SHRUB 1 , from Old English scrybb , shrub ( < " rough plant "), from Germanic *skrub- . 5. SCROBICULATE , from Latin scrobis , trench, ditch. 6. SCREW , SCROFULA , from Latin scr ½fa, a sow ( < " rooter, digger ").[ Pokorny 4. sker- , Section I. 938. ]

Sears ( sîrz), Richard Warren . 1863-1914 1. American merchant who founded (1886) the mail-order business that became Sears, Roebuck and Company.

sear 1 ( sîr) v. seared sear·ing sears v. tr. 1. To char, scorch, or burn the surface of with or as if with a hot instrument. See note at burn 1 . 2. To cause to dry up and wither. v. intr. 1. To become withered or dried up. n. 1. A condition, such as a scar, produced by searing. [Middle English seren from Old English s¶arian to wither from s¶ar withered]

sear 2 ( sîr) n. 1. The catch in a gunlock that keeps the hammer halfcocked or fully cocked. [Probably French serre something that grasps from Old French lock from serrer to grasp from Vulgar Latin *serr ³re from Late Latin ser³re to bolt from Latin sera bar, bolt; See ser- 2 in Indo-European Roots.]

seer ( sîr) n. 1. ( s¶"…r) One that sees: an inveterate seer of sights. 2. A clairvoyant. 3. A prophet.

Se·grè ( s¹-gr³", s µ-), Emilio Gino . 1905-1989 1. Italian-born American physicist. He shared a 1959 Nobel Prize for demonstrating the existence of the antiproton.

shard ( shärd) also sherd ( shûrd) n. 1. A piece of broken pottery, especially one found in an archaeological dig; a potsherd. 2. a. A fragment of a brittle substance, as of glass or metal. b. A small piece or part: " shards of intense emotional relationships that once existed " Maggie Scarf 3. Zoology a. A tough sheath or covering, such as a shell, scale, or plate. b. The elytron or outer wing covering of a beetle. [Middle English sherd from Old English sceard cut, notch; See sker- 1 in Indo-European Roots.]

sker- 1 . Important derivatives are: shear share 1 shears scabbard score shard short shirt skirt skirmish screen carnage carnal carnation carnival carrion carnivorous incarnate curt cortex sharp scrap 1 scrape scrub 1 shrub 1 screw Also ker- To cut. I. Basic form *sker- , *ker- . 1. a. SHEAR , from Old English scieran , sceran , to cut; b. SHEER 1 , from Low German scheren , to move to and fro, and Dutch scheren , to withdraw, depart. Both a and b from Germanic *skeran . 2. a. SHARE 2 , from Old English sc ¶ar, plowshare; b. SHARE 1 , from Old English scearu , scaru , portion, division (but recorded only in the sense of " fork of the body, " " tonsure"). Both a and b from Germanic *skeraz . 3. a. SHEAR , from Old English sc ¶ar, scissors, from Germanic *sk ¶r-½- and *sker-ez- ; b. compound *sk ¶r-berg-, " sword protector, " scabbard (see bhergh- 1 ). SCABBARD , from Old French escauberc , scabbard, possibly from a Germanic source akin to Old High German scarberc , scabbard. Both a and b from Germanic *sk ¶r-. 4. SCORE , from Old Norse skor , notch, tally, twenty, from Germanic *skur- . 5. SCAR 2 , SKERRY , from Old Norse sker , low reef ( < " something cut off "), from Germanic suffixed form *skar-jam . 6. Suffixed o-grade extended form *skorp-o- . SCARF 2 , from Old Norse skarfr , diagonally-cut end of a board, from Germanic *skarfaz . 7. Suffixed o-grade extended form *skord-o- . SHARD , from Old English sceard , a cut, notch, from Germanic *skardaz . 8. Extended form *skerd- in suffixed zero-grade form *sk —d-o-. a. SHORT , from Old English scort , sceort , " cut," short; b. SHIRT , from Old English scyrte , skirt ( < " cut piece "); c. SKIRT , from Old Norse skyrta , shirt. a, b, and c all from Germanic *skurtaz . 9. a. SKIRMISH , from Old French eskermir , to fight with a sword, fence, and Old Italian scaramuccia , skirmish, from a source akin to Old High German skirmen , to protect; b. SCREEN , from Middle Dutch scherm , shield. Both a and b from Germanic extended form *skerm- . 10. Variant form *kar- . CARNAGE , CARNAL , CARNASSIAL , CARNATION , CARNIVAL , CARRION , CARUNCLE , CHARNEL , CRONE ; CARNIVOROUS , INCARNATE , from Latin car ½ (stem carn- ), flesh. 11. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-yo . CORIACEOUS , CORIUM , CUIRASS , CURRIER ; EXCORIATE , from Latin corium , leather (originally " piece of hide "). 12. Suffixed zero-grade form *k —-to-. CURT , CURTAL , KIRTLE , from Latin curtus , short. 13. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-mo- . CORM , from Greek kormos , a trimmed tree trunk. 14. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-i- . COREOPSIS , from Greek koris , bedbug ( < " cutter"). 15. Suffixed zero-grade form. SHORE 1 , from Old English scora , shore, from Germanic *skur- ½. II. Extended roots *skert- , *kert- . 1. Zero-grade form *k —t- or o-grade form *kort- . CORTEX ; DECORTICATE , from Latin cortex , bark ( < " that which can be cut off "). 2. Suffixed form *kert-sn ³-. CENACLE , from Latin c ¶na, meal ( < " portion of food "). III. Extended root *skerp- . SCURF , probably from a Scandinavian source akin to Old English sceorf , scab, scurf, from Germanic *skerf- . IV. Extended root *skerb(h)- , *skreb(h)- . 1. a. SHARP , from Old English scearp , slope; b. SCARP , from Italian scarpa , embankment, possibly from a Germanic source akin to Gothic skarp ½, pointed object. Both a and b from Germanic *skarpaz , cutting, sharp. 2. a. SCRAP 1 , from Old Norse skrap , " pieces," remains; b. SCRAPE , from Old Norse skrapa , to scratch. Both a and b from Germanic *skrap- . 3. a. SCRABBLE , from Middle Dutch schrabben , to scrape; b. SCRUB 1 , from Middle Dutch schrobben , to scrape. Both a and b from Germanic *skrab- . 4. SHRUB 1 , from Old English scrybb , shrub ( < " rough plant "), from Germanic *skrub- . 5. SCROBICULATE , from Latin scrobis , trench, ditch. 6. SCREW , SCROFULA , from Latin scr ½fa, a sow ( < " rooter, digger ").[ Pokorny 4. sker- , Section I. 938. ]

share 1 ( shâr) n. 1. A part or portion belonging to, distributed to, contributed by, or owed by a person or group. 2. An equitable portion: do one's share of the work. 3. Abbr. sh. shr. Any of the equal parts into which the capital stock of a corporation or company is divided. v. shared shar·ing shares v. tr. 1. To divide and parcel out in shares; apportion. 2. To participate in, use, enjoy, or experience jointly with another or others. 3. To accord a share in (something) to another or others: shared her chocolate bar with a friend. v. intr. 1. To have a share or part: shared in the profits.

Idioms: go shares 1. To be concerned or partake equally or jointly, as in a business venture. [Middle English from Old English scearu division; See sker- 1 in Indo-European Roots.] share "a·ble or shar "a·ble adj. shar "er n.

Synonyms: share participate partake These verbs refer to acquiring, having, using, being involved in, or experiencing something jointly with another or others. Share applies both to giving and to receiving partial possession, use, or enjoyment: " Share my harvest and my home " (Thomas Hood). " You English gentlefolk do not let us share your griefs; you keep them to yourselves " (John Galsworthy). It can also refer to possession, use, or enjoyment in common by a group: " Their wives and families shared their lot " (George Bancroft). The manufacturer and the dealer shared in the expense of advertising. Participate implies taking part in something, such as an activity, together with another or others: " if we had been allowed to participate in the vital processes of America's national growth " (Richard Wright). Partake often refers to having or taking a portion of something, such as food; it can also mean to have part of the quality, nature, or character of something: " partake of many gifts of fortune and power that I was never born to " (Joseph Addison); " an inarticulate noise partaking of a groan and a grunt " (Joseph Conrad).

share 2 ( shâr) n. 1. A plowshare. [Middle English from Old English sc¶ar;See sker- 1 in Indo-European Roots.]

sker- 1 . Important derivatives are: shear share 1 shears scabbard score shard short shirt skirt skirmish screen carnage carnal carnation carnival carrion carnivorous incarnate curt cortex sharp scrap 1 scrape scrub 1 shrub 1 screw Also ker- To cut. I. Basic form *sker- , *ker- . 1. a. SHEAR , from Old English scieran , sceran , to cut; b. SHEER 1 , from Low German scheren , to move to and fro, and Dutch scheren , to withdraw, depart. Both a and b from Germanic *skeran . 2. a. SHARE 2 , from Old English sc ¶ar, plowshare; b. SHARE 1 , from Old English scearu , scaru , portion, division (but recorded only in the sense of " fork of the body, " " tonsure"). Both a and b from Germanic *skeraz . 3. a. SHEAR , from Old English sc ¶ar, scissors, from Germanic *sk ¶r-½- and *sker-ez- ; b. compound *sk ¶r-berg-, " sword protector, " scabbard (see bhergh- 1 ). SCABBARD , from Old French escauberc , scabbard, possibly from a Germanic source akin to Old High German scarberc , scabbard. Both a and b from Germanic *sk ¶r-. 4. SCORE , from Old Norse skor , notch, tally, twenty, from Germanic *skur- . 5. SCAR 2 , SKERRY , from Old Norse sker , low reef ( < " something cut off "), from Germanic suffixed form *skar-jam . 6. Suffixed o-grade extended form *skorp-o- . SCARF 2 , from Old Norse skarfr , diagonally-cut end of a board, from Germanic *skarfaz . 7. Suffixed o-grade extended form *skord-o- . SHARD , from Old English sceard , a cut, notch, from Germanic *skardaz . 8. Extended form *skerd- in suffixed zero-grade form *sk —d-o-. a. SHORT , from Old English scort , sceort , " cut," short; b. SHIRT , from Old English scyrte , skirt ( < " cut piece "); c. SKIRT , from Old Norse skyrta , shirt. a, b, and c all from Germanic *skurtaz . 9. a. SKIRMISH , from Old French eskermir , to fight with a sword, fence, and Old Italian scaramuccia , skirmish, from a source akin to Old High German skirmen , to protect; b. SCREEN , from Middle Dutch scherm , shield. Both a and b from Germanic extended form *skerm- . 10. Variant form *kar- . CARNAGE , CARNAL , CARNASSIAL , CARNATION , CARNIVAL , CARRION , CARUNCLE , CHARNEL , CRONE ; CARNIVOROUS , INCARNATE , from Latin car ½ (stem carn- ), flesh. 11. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-yo . CORIACEOUS , CORIUM , CUIRASS , CURRIER ; EXCORIATE , from Latin corium , leather (originally " piece of hide "). 12. Suffixed zero-grade form *k —-to-. CURT , CURTAL , KIRTLE , from Latin curtus , short. 13. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-mo- . CORM , from Greek kormos , a trimmed tree trunk. 14. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-i- . COREOPSIS , from Greek koris , bedbug ( < " cutter"). 15. Suffixed zero-grade form. SHORE 1 , from Old English scora , shore, from Germanic *skur- ½. II. Extended roots *skert- , *kert- . 1. Zero-grade form *k —t- or o-grade form *kort- . CORTEX ; DECORTICATE , from Latin cortex , bark ( < " that which can be cut off "). 2. Suffixed form *kert-sn ³-. CENACLE , from Latin c ¶na, meal ( < " portion of food "). III. Extended root *skerp- . SCURF , probably from a Scandinavian source akin to Old English sceorf , scab, scurf, from Germanic *skerf- . IV. Extended root *skerb(h)- , *skreb(h)- . 1. a. SHARP , from Old English scearp , slope; b. SCARP , from Italian scarpa , embankment, possibly from a Germanic source akin to Gothic skarp ½, pointed object. Both a and b from Germanic *skarpaz , cutting, sharp. 2. a. SCRAP 1 , from Old Norse skrap , " pieces," remains; b. SCRAPE , from Old Norse skrapa , to scratch. Both a and b from Germanic *skrap- . 3. a. SCRABBLE , from Middle Dutch schrabben , to scrape; b. SCRUB 1 , from Middle Dutch schrobben , to scrape. Both a and b from Germanic *skrab- . 4. SHRUB 1 , from Old English scrybb , shrub ( < " rough plant "), from Germanic *skrub- . 5. SCROBICULATE , from Latin scrobis , trench, ditch. 6. SCREW , SCROFULA , from Latin scr ½fa, a sow ( < " rooter, digger ").[ Pokorny 4. sker- , Section I. 938. ]

shark ( shärk) n. 1. Any of numerous chiefly marine carnivorous fishes of the class Chondrichthyes (subclass Elasmobranchii), which are sometimes large and voracious and have a streamlined, torpedolike body, five to seven gill openings on each side of the head, a large oil-filled liver, a cartilaginous skeleton, and tough skin covered with small toothlike scales. 2. a. A person regarded as ruthless, greedy, or dishonest. b. A vicious usurer. 3. Slang A person unusually skilled in a particular activity: a card shark. v. sharked shark·ing sharks v. tr. Archaic 1. To obtain by deceitful means. v. intr. 1. To practice or live by fraud and trickery. [Origin unknown]

sharp ( shärp) adj. sharp·er sharp·est 1. Having a thin edge or a fine point suitable for or capable of cutting or piercing. 2. a. Having clear form and detail: a sharp photographic image. b. Terminating in an edge or a point: sharp, angular cliffs; a sharp nose. c. Clearly and distinctly set forth: sharp contrasts in behavior. 3. Abrupt or acute: a sharp drop; a sharp turn. 4. a. Intellectually penetrating; astute. b. Marked by keenness and accuracy of perception: sharp hearing. 5. Crafty or deceitful, as in business dealings: sharp selling practices. 6. Vigilant; alert: kept a sharp lookout for shoplifters. 7. a. Briskly or keenly cold and cutting: a sharp wind. b. Harsh or biting in tone or character: sharp criticism. 8. Fierce or impetuous; violent: a sharp temper; a sharp assault. 9. Intense; severe: a sharp pain. 10. a. Sudden and shrill: a sharp whistle. b. Sudden and brilliant or dazzling: a sharp flash of lightning. 11. Strongly affecting the senses of smell and taste: a sharp, pungent odor; a sharp cheese. 12. Composed of hard, angular particles: sharp sand. 13. Music a. Raised in pitch by a semitone. b. Being above the proper pitch. c. Having the key signature in sharps. 14. Linguistics Voiceless. Used of a consonant. 15. Informal Attractive or stylish: a sharp jacket. adv. 1. In a sharp manner: hit me sharp on the brow. 2. Punctually; exactly: at three o'clock sharp. 3. Music Above the true or proper pitch. n. 1. Music a. A note or tone raised one semitone above its normal pitch. b. A sign ( ^) indicating this. 2. A slender sewing needle with a very fine point. 3. Informal a. An expert. b. A shrewd cheater; a sharper. v. sharped sharp·ing sharps Music v. tr. 1. To raise in pitch by a semitone. v. intr. 1. To play or sing above the proper pitch. [Middle English sharp from Old English scearp slope; See sker- 1 in Indo-European Roots.] sharp "ly adv. sharp "ness n.

Synonyms: sharp keen acute These adjectives all apply literally to fine edges, points, or tips: a sharp knife; a keen blade; a leaf with an acute end. Figuratively they indicate mental alertness and clarity of comprehension. Sharp suggests quickness and astuteness: " a young man of sharp and active intellect " (John Henry Newman). Keen implies clear-headedness and acuity: Women with keen intelligent minds are making inroads in formerly male-dominated occupations. Acute suggests penetrating perception or discernment: an acute observer of politics and politicians. fashionable

sker- 1 . Important derivatives are: shear share 1 shears scabbard score shard short shirt skirt skirmish screen carnage carnal carnation carnival carrion carnivorous incarnate curt cortex sharp scrap 1 scrape scrub 1 shrub 1 screw Also ker- To cut. I. Basic form *sker- , *ker- . 1. a. SHEAR , from Old English scieran , sceran , to cut; b. SHEER 1 , from Low German scheren , to move to and fro, and Dutch scheren , to withdraw, depart. Both a and b from Germanic *skeran . 2. a. SHARE 2 , from Old English sc ¶ar, plowshare; b. SHARE 1 , from Old English scearu , scaru , portion, division (but recorded only in the sense of " fork of the body, " " tonsure"). Both a and b from Germanic *skeraz . 3. a. SHEAR , from Old English sc ¶ar, scissors, from Germanic *sk ¶r-½- and *sker-ez- ; b. compound *sk ¶r-berg-, " sword protector, " scabbard (see bhergh- 1 ). SCABBARD , from Old French escauberc , scabbard, possibly from a Germanic source akin to Old High German scarberc , scabbard. Both a and b from Germanic *sk ¶r-. 4. SCORE , from Old Norse skor , notch, tally, twenty, from Germanic *skur- . 5. SCAR 2 , SKERRY , from Old Norse sker , low reef ( < " something cut off "), from Germanic suffixed form *skar-jam . 6. Suffixed o-grade extended form *skorp-o- . SCARF 2 , from Old Norse skarfr , diagonally-cut end of a board, from Germanic *skarfaz . 7. Suffixed o-grade extended form *skord-o- . SHARD , from Old English sceard , a cut, notch, from Germanic *skardaz . 8. Extended form *skerd- in suffixed zero-grade form *sk —d-o-. a. SHORT , from Old English scort , sceort , " cut," short; b. SHIRT , from Old English scyrte , skirt ( < " cut piece "); c. SKIRT , from Old Norse skyrta , shirt. a, b, and c all from Germanic *skurtaz . 9. a. SKIRMISH , from Old French eskermir , to fight with a sword, fence, and Old Italian scaramuccia , skirmish, from a source akin to Old High German skirmen , to protect; b. SCREEN , from Middle Dutch scherm , shield. Both a and b from Germanic extended form *skerm- . 10. Variant form *kar- . CARNAGE , CARNAL , CARNASSIAL , CARNATION , CARNIVAL , CARRION , CARUNCLE , CHARNEL , CRONE ; CARNIVOROUS , INCARNATE , from Latin car ½ (stem carn- ), flesh. 11. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-yo . CORIACEOUS , CORIUM , CUIRASS , CURRIER ; EXCORIATE , from Latin corium , leather (originally " piece of hide "). 12. Suffixed zero-grade form *k —-to-. CURT , CURTAL , KIRTLE , from Latin curtus , short. 13. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-mo- . CORM , from Greek kormos , a trimmed tree trunk. 14. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-i- . COREOPSIS , from Greek koris , bedbug ( < " cutter"). 15. Suffixed zero-grade form. SHORE 1 , from Old English scora , shore, from Germanic *skur- ½. II. Extended roots *skert- , *kert- . 1. Zero-grade form *k —t- or o-grade form *kort- . CORTEX ; DECORTICATE , from Latin cortex , bark ( < " that which can be cut off "). 2. Suffixed form *kert-sn ³-. CENACLE , from Latin c ¶na, meal ( < " portion of food "). III. Extended root *skerp- . SCURF , probably from a Scandinavian source akin to Old English sceorf , scab, scurf, from Germanic *skerf- . IV. Extended root *skerb(h)- , *skreb(h)- . 1. a. SHARP , from Old English scearp , slope; b. SCARP , from Italian scarpa , embankment, possibly from a Germanic source akin to Gothic skarp ½, pointed object. Both a and b from Germanic *skarpaz , cutting, sharp. 2. a. SCRAP 1 , from Old Norse skrap , " pieces," remains; b. SCRAPE , from Old Norse skrapa , to scratch. Both a and b from Germanic *skrap- . 3. a. SCRABBLE , from Middle Dutch schrabben , to scrape; b. SCRUB 1 , from Middle Dutch schrobben , to scrape. Both a and b from Germanic *skrab- . 4. SHRUB 1 , from Old English scrybb , shrub ( < " rough plant "), from Germanic *skrub- . 5. SCROBICULATE , from Latin scrobis , trench, ditch. 6. SCREW , SCROFULA , from Latin scr ½fa, a sow ( < " rooter, digger ").[ Pokorny 4. sker- , Section I. 938. ]

sherd ( shûrd) n. 1. Variant of shard .

shard ( shärd) also sherd ( shûrd) n. 1. A piece of broken pottery, especially one found in an archaeological dig; a potsherd. 2. a. A fragment of a brittle substance, as of glass or metal. b. A small piece or part: " shards of intense emotional relationships that once existed " Maggie Scarf 3. Zoology a. A tough sheath or covering, such as a shell, scale, or plate. b. The elytron or outer wing covering of a beetle. [Middle English sherd from Old English sceard cut, notch; See sker- 1 in Indo-European Roots.]

shire ( shºr) n. 1. A former administrative division of Great Britain, equivalent to a county. 2. Often Shire A Shire horse. [Middle English from Old English scºr official charge, administrative district]

shirk ( shûrk) v. shirked shirk·ing shirks v. tr. 1. To avoid or neglect (a duty or responsibility). v. intr. 1. To avoid work or duty. [Perhaps from German Schurke scoundrel Old High German fiurscurgo demon fiur fire scurigen to stir up] shirk "er n.

shirr ( shûr) v. tr. shirred shirr·ing shirrs 1. To gather (cloth) into decorative rows by parallel stitching. 2. To cook (unshelled eggs) by baking until set. [Origin unknown]

shirt ( shûrt) n. 1. A garment for the upper part of the body, typically having a collar, sleeves, and a front opening. 2. An undershirt. 3. A nightshirt.

Idioms: keep (one's) shirt on Slang 1. To remain calm or patient: The plane doesn't land for another hour, so keep your shirt on. lose (one's) shirt Slang 1. To lose everything one has or owns. the shirt off (one's) back Slang 1. The maximum one is able to give or lose: The only thing those swindlers didn't take was the shirt off my back. [Middle English shirte from Old English scyrte skirt; See sker- 1 in Indo-European Roots.]

sker- 1 . Important derivatives are: shear share 1 shears scabbard score shard short shirt skirt skirmish screen carnage carnal carnation carnival carrion carnivorous incarnate curt cortex sharp scrap 1 scrape scrub 1 shrub 1 screw Also ker- To cut. I. Basic form *sker- , *ker- . 1. a. SHEAR , from Old English scieran , sceran , to cut; b. SHEER 1 , from Low German scheren , to move to and fro, and Dutch scheren , to withdraw, depart. Both a and b from Germanic *skeran . 2. a. SHARE 2 , from Old English sc ¶ar, plowshare; b. SHARE 1 , from Old English scearu , scaru , portion, division (but recorded only in the sense of " fork of the body, " " tonsure"). Both a and b from Germanic *skeraz . 3. a. SHEAR , from Old English sc ¶ar, scissors, from Germanic *sk ¶r-½- and *sker-ez- ; b. compound *sk ¶r-berg-, " sword protector, " scabbard (see bhergh- 1 ). SCABBARD , from Old French escauberc , scabbard, possibly from a Germanic source akin to Old High German scarberc , scabbard. Both a and b from Germanic *sk ¶r-. 4. SCORE , from Old Norse skor , notch, tally, twenty, from Germanic *skur- . 5. SCAR 2 , SKERRY , from Old Norse sker , low reef ( < " something cut off "), from Germanic suffixed form *skar-jam . 6. Suffixed o-grade extended form *skorp-o- . SCARF 2 , from Old Norse skarfr , diagonally-cut end of a board, from Germanic *skarfaz . 7. Suffixed o-grade extended form *skord-o- . SHARD , from Old English sceard , a cut, notch, from Germanic *skardaz . 8. Extended form *skerd- in suffixed zero-grade form *sk —d-o-. a. SHORT , from Old English scort , sceort , " cut," short; b. SHIRT , from Old English scyrte , skirt ( < " cut piece "); c. SKIRT , from Old Norse skyrta , shirt. a, b, and c all from Germanic *skurtaz . 9. a. SKIRMISH , from Old French eskermir , to fight with a sword, fence, and Old Italian scaramuccia , skirmish, from a source akin to Old High German skirmen , to protect; b. SCREEN , from Middle Dutch scherm , shield. Both a and b from Germanic extended form *skerm- . 10. Variant form *kar- . CARNAGE , CARNAL , CARNASSIAL , CARNATION , CARNIVAL , CARRION , CARUNCLE , CHARNEL , CRONE ; CARNIVOROUS , INCARNATE , from Latin car ½ (stem carn- ), flesh. 11. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-yo . CORIACEOUS , CORIUM , CUIRASS , CURRIER ; EXCORIATE , from Latin corium , leather (originally " piece of hide "). 12. Suffixed zero-grade form *k —-to-. CURT , CURTAL , KIRTLE , from Latin curtus , short. 13. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-mo- . CORM , from Greek kormos , a trimmed tree trunk. 14. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-i- . COREOPSIS , from Greek koris , bedbug ( < " cutter"). 15. Suffixed zero-grade form. SHORE 1 , from Old English scora , shore, from Germanic *skur- ½. II. Extended roots *skert- , *kert- . 1. Zero-grade form *k —t- or o-grade form *kort- . CORTEX ; DECORTICATE , from Latin cortex , bark ( < " that which can be cut off "). 2. Suffixed form *kert-sn ³-. CENACLE , from Latin c ¶na, meal ( < " portion of food "). III. Extended root *skerp- . SCURF , probably from a Scandinavian source akin to Old English sceorf , scab, scurf, from Germanic *skerf- . IV. Extended root *skerb(h)- , *skreb(h)- . 1. a. SHARP , from Old English scearp , slope; b. SCARP , from Italian scarpa , embankment, possibly from a Germanic source akin to Gothic skarp ½, pointed object. Both a and b from Germanic *skarpaz , cutting, sharp. 2. a. SCRAP 1 , from Old Norse skrap , " pieces," remains; b. SCRAPE , from Old Norse skrapa , to scratch. Both a and b from Germanic *skrap- . 3. a. SCRABBLE , from Middle Dutch schrabben , to scrape; b. SCRUB 1 , from Middle Dutch schrobben , to scrape. Both a and b from Germanic *skrab- . 4. SHRUB 1 , from Old English scrybb , shrub ( < " rough plant "), from Germanic *skrub- . 5. SCROBICULATE , from Latin scrobis , trench, ditch. 6. SCREW , SCROFULA , from Latin scr ½fa, a sow ( < " rooter, digger ").[ Pokorny 4. sker- , Section I. 938. ]

shore 1 ( shôr, sh ½r) n. 1. The land along the edge of an ocean, a sea, a lake, or a river; a coast. 2. Often shores Land; country: far from our native shores. 3. Land as opposed to water: a sailor with an assignment on shore. n. attributive. 1. Often used to modify another noun: shore dwellings; shore erosion. [Middle English shore from Old English scora; See sker- 1 in Indo-European Roots.]

shore 2 ( shôr, sh ½r) v. tr. shored shor·ing shores 1. To support by or as if by a prop: shored up the sagging floors; shored up the peace initiative. n. 1. A beam or timber propped against a structure to provide support. [Middle English shoren from shore prop probably from Middle Low German sch½re barrier or Middle Dutch sc½re prop]

shore 3 ( shôr, sh ½r) v. Archaic 1. A past tense of shear .

sker- 1 . Important derivatives are: shear share 1 shears scabbard score shard short shirt skirt skirmish screen carnage carnal carnation carnival carrion carnivorous incarnate curt cortex sharp scrap 1 scrape scrub 1 shrub 1 screw Also ker- To cut. I. Basic form *sker- , *ker- . 1. a. SHEAR , from Old English scieran , sceran , to cut; b. SHEER 1 , from Low German scheren , to move to and fro, and Dutch scheren , to withdraw, depart. Both a and b from Germanic *skeran . 2. a. SHARE 2 , from Old English sc ¶ar, plowshare; b. SHARE 1 , from Old English scearu , scaru , portion, division (but recorded only in the sense of " fork of the body, " " tonsure"). Both a and b from Germanic *skeraz . 3. a. SHEAR , from Old English sc ¶ar, scissors, from Germanic *sk ¶r-½- and *sker-ez- ; b. compound *sk ¶r-berg-, " sword protector, " scabbard (see bhergh- 1 ). SCABBARD , from Old French escauberc , scabbard, possibly from a Germanic source akin to Old High German scarberc , scabbard. Both a and b from Germanic *sk ¶r-. 4. SCORE , from Old Norse skor , notch, tally, twenty, from Germanic *skur- . 5. SCAR 2 , SKERRY , from Old Norse sker , low reef ( < " something cut off "), from Germanic suffixed form *skar-jam . 6. Suffixed o-grade extended form *skorp-o- . SCARF 2 , from Old Norse skarfr , diagonally-cut end of a board, from Germanic *skarfaz . 7. Suffixed o-grade extended form *skord-o- . SHARD , from Old English sceard , a cut, notch, from Germanic *skardaz . 8. Extended form *skerd- in suffixed zero-grade form *sk —d-o-. a. SHORT , from Old English scort , sceort , " cut," short; b. SHIRT , from Old English scyrte , skirt ( < " cut piece "); c. SKIRT , from Old Norse skyrta , shirt. a, b, and c all from Germanic *skurtaz . 9. a. SKIRMISH , from Old French eskermir , to fight with a sword, fence, and Old Italian scaramuccia , skirmish, from a source akin to Old High German skirmen , to protect; b. SCREEN , from Middle Dutch scherm , shield. Both a and b from Germanic extended form *skerm- . 10. Variant form *kar- . CARNAGE , CARNAL , CARNASSIAL , CARNATION , CARNIVAL , CARRION , CARUNCLE , CHARNEL , CRONE ; CARNIVOROUS , INCARNATE , from Latin car ½ (stem carn- ), flesh. 11. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-yo . CORIACEOUS , CORIUM , CUIRASS , CURRIER ; EXCORIATE , from Latin corium , leather (originally " piece of hide "). 12. Suffixed zero-grade form *k —-to-. CURT , CURTAL , KIRTLE , from Latin curtus , short. 13. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-mo- . CORM , from Greek kormos , a trimmed tree trunk. 14. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-i- . COREOPSIS , from Greek koris , bedbug ( < " cutter"). 15. Suffixed zero-grade form. SHORE 1 , from Old English scora , shore, from Germanic *skur- ½. II. Extended roots *skert- , *kert- . 1. Zero-grade form *k —t- or o-grade form *kort- . CORTEX ; DECORTICATE , from Latin cortex , bark ( < " that which can be cut off "). 2. Suffixed form *kert-sn ³-. CENACLE , from Latin c ¶na, meal ( < " portion of food "). III. Extended root *skerp- . SCURF , probably from a Scandinavian source akin to Old English sceorf , scab, scurf, from Germanic *skerf- . IV. Extended root *skerb(h)- , *skreb(h)- . 1. a. SHARP , from Old English scearp , slope; b. SCARP , from Italian scarpa , embankment, possibly from a Germanic source akin to Gothic skarp ½, pointed object. Both a and b from Germanic *skarpaz , cutting, sharp. 2. a. SCRAP 1 , from Old Norse skrap , " pieces," remains; b. SCRAPE , from Old Norse skrapa , to scratch. Both a and b from Germanic *skrap- . 3. a. SCRABBLE , from Middle Dutch schrabben , to scrape; b. SCRUB 1 , from Middle Dutch schrobben , to scrape. Both a and b from Germanic *skrab- . 4. SHRUB 1 , from Old English scrybb , shrub ( < " rough plant "), from Germanic *skrub- . 5. SCROBICULATE , from Latin scrobis , trench, ditch. 6. SCREW , SCROFULA , from Latin scr ½fa, a sow ( < " rooter, digger ").[ Pokorny 4. sker- , Section I. 938. ]

shorn ( shôrn, sh ½rn) v. 1. A past participle of shear .

shear ( shîr) v. sheared sheared or shorn ( shôrn, sh ½rn) shear·ing shears v. tr. 1. To remove (fleece or hair) by cutting or clipping. 2. To remove the hair or fleece from. 3. To cut with or as if with shears: shearing a hedge. 4. To divest or deprive as if by cutting: The prisoners were shorn of their dignity. v. intr. 1. To use a cutting tool such as shears. 2. To move or proceed by or as if by cutting: shear through the wheat. 3. Physics To become deformed by forces tending to produce a shearing strain. n. 1. a. A pair of scissors. Often used in the plural. b. Any of various implements or machines that cut with a scissorlike action. Often used in the plural. 2. The act, process, or result of shearing. 3. Something cut off by shearing. 4. The act, process, or fact of shearing. Used to indicate a sheep's age: a two-shear ram. 5. Also sheers ( shîrz)used with a sing. or pl. verb An apparatus used to lift heavy weights, consisting of two or more spars joined at the top and spread at the base, the tackle being suspended from the top. 6. Physics a. An applied force or system of forces that tends to produce a shearing strain. Also Called shearing stress Also Called shear stress . b. A shearing strain. [Middle English scheren from Old English sceran N., from Middle English shere from Old English sc¶ar;See sker- 1 in Indo-European Roots.] shear "er n.

short ( shôrt) adj. short·er short·est 1. Having little length; not long. 2. Having little height; not tall. 3. Extending not far or not far enough: a short toss. 4. a. Lasting a brief time: a short holiday. b. Appearing to pass quickly: finished the job in a few short months. 5. Not lengthy; succinct: short and to the point. 6. a. Rudely brief; abrupt. b. Easily provoked; irascible. 7. Inadequate; insufficient: oil in short supply; were short on experience. 8. Lacking in length or amount: a board that is short two inches. 9. Lacking in breadth or scope: a short view of the problem. 10. Deficient in retentiveness: a short memory. 11. a. Not owning the stocks or commodities one is selling in anticipation of a fall in prices. b. Of or relating to a short sale. 12. a. Containing a large amount of shortening; flaky: a short pie crust. b. Not ductile; brittle: short iron. 13. a. Linguistics Of, relating to, or being a speech sound of relatively brief duration, as the first vowel sound in the Latin word m ²lus, " evil," as compared with the same or a similar sound of relatively long duration, as the first vowel sound in the Latin word m ³lus, " apple tree. " b. Grammar Of, relating to, or being a pronunciation of vowel sounds, as the pronunciation ( ²) in pat, ( µ) in pet, ( ¹) in pit, ( ¼) in pot, ( ¾) in putt, and ( ‹) in put. c. Historically descended from a vowel of brief duration. 14. a. Unstressed; unaccented. Used of a syllable in accentual prosody. b. Being of relatively brief duration. Used of a syllable in quantitative prosody. 15. Slang Close to the end of a tour of military duty. adv. 1. Abruptly; quickly: stop short. 2. In a rude or curt manner. 3. At a point before a given limit or goal: a missile that landed short of the target. 4. At a disadvantage: We were caught short by the sudden storm. 5. Without owning what one is selling: selling a commodity short. n. 1. Something short, as: a. Linguistics A briefly articulated speech sound or syllable. b. A brief film; a short subject. c. A size of clothing less long than the average for that size. d. shorts Short trousers extending to the knee or above. e. shorts Men's undershorts. 2. a. A short sale. b. One that sells short. 3. shorts A byproduct of wheat processing that consists of germ bran and coarse meal or flour. 4. shorts Clippings or trimmings that remain as byproducts in various manufacturing processes, often used to make an inferior variety of the product. 5. a. A short circuit. b. A malfunction caused by a short circuit. 6. Baseball A shortstop. v. short·ed short·ing shorts v. tr. 1. To cause a short circuit in. 2. Informal To give (one) less than one is entitled to; shortchange. 3. a. To sell (a stock that one does not own) in anticipation of making a profit when its price falls; make a short sale. b. To sell unowned stock in (the stock market) in anticipation of making a profit when prices fall. v. intr. 1. To short-circuit.

Idioms: for short 1. As an abbreviation: He's called Ed for short. in short 1. In summary; briefly. short for 1. An abbreviation of: Ed is short for Edward. short of 1. Having an inadequate supply of: We're short of cash. 2. Less than: Nothing short of her best effort was required to make the team. 3. Other than; without resorting to: Short of yelling at him, I had no other way to catch his attention. 4. Not quite willing to undertake or do; just this side of: She stopped short of throwing out the old photo. the short end of the stick 1. The worst side of an unequal deal. [Middle English from Old English sceort, scort; See sker- 1 in Indo-European Roots.] short "ness n.

sker- 1 . Important derivatives are: shear share 1 shears scabbard score shard short shirt skirt skirmish screen carnage carnal carnation carnival carrion carnivorous incarnate curt cortex sharp scrap 1 scrape scrub 1 shrub 1 screw Also ker- To cut. I. Basic form *sker- , *ker- . 1. a. SHEAR , from Old English scieran , sceran , to cut; b. SHEER 1 , from Low German scheren , to move to and fro, and Dutch scheren , to withdraw, depart. Both a and b from Germanic *skeran . 2. a. SHARE 2 , from Old English sc ¶ar, plowshare; b. SHARE 1 , from Old English scearu , scaru , portion, division (but recorded only in the sense of " fork of the body, " " tonsure"). Both a and b from Germanic *skeraz . 3. a. SHEAR , from Old English sc ¶ar, scissors, from Germanic *sk ¶r-½- and *sker-ez- ; b. compound *sk ¶r-berg-, " sword protector, " scabbard (see bhergh- 1 ). SCABBARD , from Old French escauberc , scabbard, possibly from a Germanic source akin to Old High German scarberc , scabbard. Both a and b from Germanic *sk ¶r-. 4. SCORE , from Old Norse skor , notch, tally, twenty, from Germanic *skur- . 5. SCAR 2 , SKERRY , from Old Norse sker , low reef ( < " something cut off "), from Germanic suffixed form *skar-jam . 6. Suffixed o-grade extended form *skorp-o- . SCARF 2 , from Old Norse skarfr , diagonally-cut end of a board, from Germanic *skarfaz . 7. Suffixed o-grade extended form *skord-o- . SHARD , from Old English sceard , a cut, notch, from Germanic *skardaz . 8. Extended form *skerd- in suffixed zero-grade form *sk —d-o-. a. SHORT , from Old English scort , sceort , " cut," short; b. SHIRT , from Old English scyrte , skirt ( < " cut piece "); c. SKIRT , from Old Norse skyrta , shirt. a, b, and c all from Germanic *skurtaz . 9. a. SKIRMISH , from Old French eskermir , to fight with a sword, fence, and Old Italian scaramuccia , skirmish, from a source akin to Old High German skirmen , to protect; b. SCREEN , from Middle Dutch scherm , shield. Both a and b from Germanic extended form *skerm- . 10. Variant form *kar- . CARNAGE , CARNAL , CARNASSIAL , CARNATION , CARNIVAL , CARRION , CARUNCLE , CHARNEL , CRONE ; CARNIVOROUS , INCARNATE , from Latin car ½ (stem carn- ), flesh. 11. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-yo . CORIACEOUS , CORIUM , CUIRASS , CURRIER ; EXCORIATE , from Latin corium , leather (originally " piece of hide "). 12. Suffixed zero-grade form *k —-to-. CURT , CURTAL , KIRTLE , from Latin curtus , short. 13. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-mo- . CORM , from Greek kormos , a trimmed tree trunk. 14. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-i- . COREOPSIS , from Greek koris , bedbug ( < " cutter"). 15. Suffixed zero-grade form. SHORE 1 , from Old English scora , shore, from Germanic *skur- ½. II. Extended roots *skert- , *kert- . 1. Zero-grade form *k —t- or o-grade form *kort- . CORTEX ; DECORTICATE , from Latin cortex , bark ( < " that which can be cut off "). 2. Suffixed form *kert-sn ³-. CENACLE , from Latin c ¶na, meal ( < " portion of food "). III. Extended root *skerp- . SCURF , probably from a Scandinavian source akin to Old English sceorf , scab, scurf, from Germanic *skerf- . IV. Extended root *skerb(h)- , *skreb(h)- . 1. a. SHARP , from Old English scearp , slope; b. SCARP , from Italian scarpa , embankment, possibly from a Germanic source akin to Gothic skarp ½, pointed object. Both a and b from Germanic *skarpaz , cutting, sharp. 2. a. SCRAP 1 , from Old Norse skrap , " pieces," remains; b. SCRAPE , from Old Norse skrapa , to scratch. Both a and b from Germanic *skrap- . 3. a. SCRABBLE , from Middle Dutch schrabben , to scrape; b. SCRUB 1 , from Middle Dutch schrobben , to scrape. Both a and b from Germanic *skrab- . 4. SHRUB 1 , from Old English scrybb , shrub ( < " rough plant "), from Germanic *skrub- . 5. SCROBICULATE , from Latin scrobis , trench, ditch. 6. SCREW , SCROFULA , from Latin scr ½fa, a sow ( < " rooter, digger ").[ Pokorny 4. sker- , Section I. 938. ]

skirl ( skûrl) v. skirled skirl·ing skirls Music v. intr. 1. To produce a high, shrill, wailing tone. Used of bagpipes. v. tr. 1. To play (a piece) on bagpipes. n. 1. Music The shrill sound made by the chanter pipe of bagpipes. 2. A shrill, wailing sound: " The skirl of a police whistle split the stillness " Sax Rohmer [Middle English skrillen, skirlen probably of Scandinavian origin]

skirt ( skûrt) n. 1. The part of a garment, such as a dress or coat, that hangs freely from the waist down. 2. A garment hanging from the waist and worn by women and girls. 3. One of the leather flaps hanging from the side of a saddle. 4. The lower outer section of a rocket vehicle. 5. An outer edge; a border or margin: a base camp on the skirt of the mountain. 6. skirts The edge, as of a town; the outskirts. 7. Offensive Slang Used as a disparaging term for a woman. v. skirt·ed skirt·ing skirts v. tr. 1. To lie along or form the edge of; border: the creek that skirts our property. 2. To pass around rather than across or through: changed their course to skirt the storm. 3. To pass close to; miss narrowly: The bullet skirted an artery. 4. To evade, as by circumlocution: skirted the controversial issue. v. intr. 1. To lie along, move along, or be an edge or a border. [Middle English from Old Norse skyrta shirt; See sker- 1 in Indo-European Roots.]

sker- 1 . Important derivatives are: shear share 1 shears scabbard score shard short shirt skirt skirmish screen carnage carnal carnation carnival carrion carnivorous incarnate curt cortex sharp scrap 1 scrape scrub 1 shrub 1 screw Also ker- To cut. I. Basic form *sker- , *ker- . 1. a. SHEAR , from Old English scieran , sceran , to cut; b. SHEER 1 , from Low German scheren , to move to and fro, and Dutch scheren , to withdraw, depart. Both a and b from Germanic *skeran . 2. a. SHARE 2 , from Old English sc ¶ar, plowshare; b. SHARE 1 , from Old English scearu , scaru , portion, division (but recorded only in the sense of " fork of the body, " " tonsure"). Both a and b from Germanic *skeraz . 3. a. SHEAR , from Old English sc ¶ar, scissors, from Germanic *sk ¶r-½- and *sker-ez- ; b. compound *sk ¶r-berg-, " sword protector, " scabbard (see bhergh- 1 ). SCABBARD , from Old French escauberc , scabbard, possibly from a Germanic source akin to Old High German scarberc , scabbard. Both a and b from Germanic *sk ¶r-. 4. SCORE , from Old Norse skor , notch, tally, twenty, from Germanic *skur- . 5. SCAR 2 , SKERRY , from Old Norse sker , low reef ( < " something cut off "), from Germanic suffixed form *skar-jam . 6. Suffixed o-grade extended form *skorp-o- . SCARF 2 , from Old Norse skarfr , diagonally-cut end of a board, from Germanic *skarfaz . 7. Suffixed o-grade extended form *skord-o- . SHARD , from Old English sceard , a cut, notch, from Germanic *skardaz . 8. Extended form *skerd- in suffixed zero-grade form *sk —d-o-. a. SHORT , from Old English scort , sceort , " cut," short; b. SHIRT , from Old English scyrte , skirt ( < " cut piece "); c. SKIRT , from Old Norse skyrta , shirt. a, b, and c all from Germanic *skurtaz . 9. a. SKIRMISH , from Old French eskermir , to fight with a sword, fence, and Old Italian scaramuccia , skirmish, from a source akin to Old High German skirmen , to protect; b. SCREEN , from Middle Dutch scherm , shield. Both a and b from Germanic extended form *skerm- . 10. Variant form *kar- . CARNAGE , CARNAL , CARNASSIAL , CARNATION , CARNIVAL , CARRION , CARUNCLE , CHARNEL , CRONE ; CARNIVOROUS , INCARNATE , from Latin car ½ (stem carn- ), flesh. 11. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-yo . CORIACEOUS , CORIUM , CUIRASS , CURRIER ; EXCORIATE , from Latin corium , leather (originally " piece of hide "). 12. Suffixed zero-grade form *k —-to-. CURT , CURTAL , KIRTLE , from Latin curtus , short. 13. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-mo- . CORM , from Greek kormos , a trimmed tree trunk. 14. Suffixed o-grade form *kor-i- . COREOPSIS , from Greek koris , bedbug ( < " cutter"). 15. Suffixed zero-grade form. SHORE 1 , from Old English scora , shore, from Germanic *skur- ½. II. Extended roots *skert- , *kert- . 1. Zero-grade form *k —t- or o-grade form *kort- . CORTEX ; DECORTICATE , from Latin cortex , bark ( < " that which can be cut off "). 2. Suffixed form *kert-sn ³-. CENACLE , from Latin c ¶na, meal ( < " portion of food "). III. Extended root *skerp- . SCURF , probably from a Scandinavian source akin to Old English sceorf , scab, scurf, from Germanic *skerf- . IV. Extended root *skerb(h)- , *skreb(h)- . 1. a. SHARP , from Old English scearp , slope; b. SCARP , from Italian scarpa , embankment, possibly from a Germanic source akin to Gothic skarp ½, pointed object. Both a and b from Germanic *skarpaz , cutting, sharp. 2. a. SCRAP 1 , from Old Norse skrap , " pieces," remains; b. SCRAPE , from Old Norse skrapa , to scratch. Both a and b from Germanic *skrap- . 3. a. SCRABBLE , from Middle Dutch schrabben , to scrape; b. SCRUB 1 , from Middle Dutch schrobben , to scrape. Both a and b from Germanic *skrab- . 4. SHRUB 1 , from Old English scrybb , shrub ( < " rough plant "), from Germanic *skrub- . 5. SCROBICULATE , from Latin scrobis , trench, ditch. 6. SCREW , SCROFULA , from Latin scr ½fa, a sow ( < " rooter, digger ").[ Pokorny 4. sker- , Section I. 938. ]

slurb ( slûrb) n. Informal 1. An unsightly suburban area marked by crowded or poorly built dwellings. [Perhaps sl(ovenly) (sub)urb ]

slurp ( slûrp) v. slurped slurp·ing slurps v. tr. 1. To eat or drink noisily. v. intr. 1. To eat or drink something noisily. n. 1. A loud sucking noise made in eating or drinking. 2. Slang A mouthful of a liquid: took a slurp of grape juice. [Dutch slurpen]

slur ( slûr) v. tr. slurred slur·ring slurs 1. To pronounce indistinctly. 2. To speak slightingly of; disparage. 3. To pass over lightly or carelessly; treat without due consideration. 4. Music a. To glide over (a series of notes) smoothly without a break. b. To mark with a slur. 5. Printing To blur or smear. n. 1. A disparaging remark; an aspersion. 2. A slurred utterance or sound. 3. Music a. A curved line connecting notes on a score to indicate that they are to be played or sung legato. b. A passage played or sung in this manner. 4. Printing A smeared or blurred impression. [Probably from Middle English sloor mud]

smart ( smärt) adj. smart·er smart·est 1. a. Characterized by sharp, quick thought; bright. See note at intelligent . b. Amusingly clever; witty: a smart quip; a lively, smart conversation. c. Impertinent; insolent: That's enough of your smart talk. 2. Energetic or quick in movement: a smart pace. 3. Canny and shrewd in dealings with others: a smart business person. 4. Fashionable; elegant: a smart suit; a smart restaurant; the smart set. See note at fashionable . 5. a. Of, relating to, or being a highly automated device, especially one that imitates human intelligence: smart missiles. b. Computer Science Having the capacity to perform operations independently of the computer. Used of a computer terminal. 6. New England Southern U.S. Accomplished; talented: He's a right smart ball player. v. intr. smart·ed smart·ing smarts 1. a. To cause a sharp, usually superficial, stinging pain: The slap delivered to my face smarted. b. To be the location of such a pain: The incision on my leg smarts. c. To feel such a pain. 2. To suffer acutely, as from mental distress, wounded feelings, or remorse: " No creature smarts so little as a fool " Alexander Pope 3. To suffer or pay a heavy penalty. n. 1. Sharp mental or physical pain. See note at pain . 2. smarts Slang Intelligence; expertise: " Like courting the prettiest girl in school, the chase requires smarts " Jackie MacMullan

Phrasal Verbs: smart off Informal 1. To speak or act impertinently.

Idioms: right smart New England Southern U.S. 1. A lot; a considerable amount: He did right smart of the work himself. [Middle English stinging, keen, alert from Old English smeart causing pain] smart "ly adv. smart "ness n.

Notes: Smart is a word that has digressed considerably from its original meaning of " stinging, sharp, " as in a smart blow. The standard meaning of " clever, intelligent, " probably picks up on the original semantic element of vigor or quick movement. Smart has taken on other senses as a regionalism. In New England and in the South smart can mean " accomplished, talented. " The phrase right smart can even be used as a noun meaning " a considerable number or amount ": " We have read right smart of that book " (Catherine C. Hopley).

smirk ( smûrk) v. intr. smirked smirk·ing smirks 1. To smile in an affected, often offensively self-satisfied manner. n. 1. An affected, often offensively self-satisfied smile. See note at smile . [Middle English smirken from Old English smercian to smile; See smei- in Indo-European Roots.] smirk "er n. smirk "ing·ly or smirk "i·ly adv. smirk "y adj.

smei- . Important derivatives are: smirk smile marvel miracle mirage mirror admire To laugh, smile. I. 1. SMIRK , from Old English smercian , to smile (with -k- formative), from Germanic reshaped forms *smer- , *smar- . 2. SMILE , from Middle English smilen , to smile, from a Scandinavian source probably akin to Swedish smila , to smile, from Germanic extended form *sm ºl-. 3. Suffixed form *smei-ro- . MARVEL , MIRACLE , MIRAGE , MIRROR ; ADMIRE , from Latin m ºrus, wonderful. 4. Prefixed zero-grade form *ko(m)-smi- , smiling with ( *ko- , *kom- , together; see kom ). COMITY , from Latin c ½mis ( < cosmis ), courteous. [ Pokorny 1. (s)mei- 967. ]

snare 1 ( snâr) n. 1. A trapping device, often consisting of a noose, used for capturing birds and small mammals. 2. Something that serves to entangle the unwary. 3. A surgical instrument with a wire loop controlled by a mechanism in the handle, used to remove growths, such as tumors and polyps. v. tr. snared snar·ing snares 1. To trap with or as if with a snare. See note at catch . [Middle English from Old English snearu and from Old Norse snara] snar "er n.

snare 2 ( snâr) n. Music 1. Any of the wires or cords stretched across the lower skin of a snare drum to increase reverberation. 2. A snare drum. [Probably from Dutch snaar string from Middle Dutch sn³re]

snarl 1 ( snärl) v. snarled snarl·ing snarls v. intr. 1. To growl viciously while baring the teeth. 2. To speak angrily or threateningly. v. tr. 1. To utter with anger or hostility: snarled a retort. n. 1. A vicious growl. 2. A vicious, hostile utterance. [Frequentative of obsolete snar perhaps from Dutch or Low German snarren to rattle probably of imitative origin] snarl "er n. snarl "ing·ly adv. snarl "y adj.

snarl 2 ( snärl) n. 1. A tangled mass, as of hair or yarn. 2. A confused, complicated, or tangled situation; a predicament. v. snarled snarl·ing snarls v. intr. 1. To become tangled or confused. v. tr. 1. To tangle or knot (hair, for example). 2. To confuse; complicate. [Middle English snarle trap probably diminutive of snare; See snare 1 ] snarl "er n. snarl "y adj.

snore ( snôr, sn ½r) v. intr. snored snor·ing snores 1. To breathe during sleep with harsh, snorting noises caused by vibration of the soft palate. n. 1. The act or an instance of snoring. 2. The noise so produced. [Middle English snoren to snort from fnoren from Old English fnora sneezing; See pneu- in Indo-European Roots.] snor "er n.

pneu- . Important derivatives are: sneeze snore snort pneumatic To breathe. Imitative root. I. 1. SNEEZE , from Old English fn ¶osan, to sneeze, from Germanic *fneu-s- . 2. SNORE , ( SNORT ), from Old English fnora , sneezing, from Germanic *fnu-s- . 3. APNEA , DIPNOAN , DYSPNEA , EUPNEA , HYPERPNEA , HYPOPNEA , POLYPNEA , TACHYPNEA , from Greek pnein , to breathe, with o-grade nouns pnoia , breathing, and pno ¶, breath. 4. Suffixed form *pneu-m ö. PNEUMA , PNEUMATIC , PNEUMATO- , PNEUMO- , from Greek pneuma , breath, wind, spirit. 5. Germanic variant root *fnes- . SNEER , from Old English fn Æran, to snort, gnash one's teeth. [ Pokorny pneu- 838. ]

snort ( snôrt) n. 1. a. A rough, noisy sound made by breathing forcefully through the nostrils, as a horse or pig does. b. A similar sound: the snort of a steam engine. 2. Slang a. A drink of liquor, especially when swallowed in one gulp. b. Cocaine or heroin, especially a small amount sniffed at one time. c. The liquor or drug so taken. v. snort·ed snort·ing snorts v. intr. 1. a. To breathe noisily and forcefully through the nostrils. b. To make a sound resembling noisy inhalation: " The wind snorted across the Kansas plains " Gail Sheehy 2. To make an abrupt noise expressive of scorn, ridicule, or contempt. 3. Slang To ingest a drug, such as cocaine or heroin, by sniffing. v. tr. 1. To express by snorting: He snorted his disapproval. 2. Slang To ingest by sniffing: snorted cocaine. [From Middle English snorten to snort from fnorten variant of fnoren; See snore ] snort "er n.

pneu- . Important derivatives are: sneeze snore snort pneumatic To breathe. Imitative root. I. 1. SNEEZE , from Old English fn ¶osan, to sneeze, from Germanic *fneu-s- . 2. SNORE , ( SNORT ), from Old English fnora , sneezing, from Germanic *fnu-s- . 3. APNEA , DIPNOAN , DYSPNEA , EUPNEA , HYPERPNEA , HYPOPNEA , POLYPNEA , TACHYPNEA , from Greek pnein , to breathe, with o-grade nouns pnoia , breathing, and pno ¶, breath. 4. Suffixed form *pneu-m ö. PNEUMA , PNEUMATIC , PNEUMATO- , PNEUMO- , from Greek pneuma , breath, wind, spirit. 5. Germanic variant root *fnes- . SNEER , from Old English fn Æran, to snort, gnash one's teeth. [ Pokorny pneu- 838. ]

soar ( sôr, s ½r) v. intr. soared soar·ing soars 1. To rise, fly, or glide high and with little apparent effort. 2. To climb swiftly or powerfully. 3. To glide in an aircraft while maintaining altitude. 4. To ascend suddenly above the normal or usual level: Our spirits soared. See note at rise . n. 1. The act of soaring. 2. The altitude or scope attained in soaring. [Middle English soren from Old French essorer from Vulgar Latin *exaur ³re Latin ex- ex-Latin aura air( from Greek breeze) ;See aura ] soar "er n. soar "ing·ly adv.

sor·ry ( s¼r"¶, sôr "¶) adj. sor·ri·er sor·ri·est 1. Feeling or expressing sympathy, pity, or regret: I'm sorry I'm late. 2. Worthless or inferior; paltry: a sorry excuse. 3. Causing sorrow, grief, or misfortune; grievous: a sorry development. [Middle English sori from Old English s³rig sad from s³r sore] sor "ri·ly adv. sor "ri·ness n.

sour ( sour) adj. sour·er sour·est 1. Having a taste characteristic of that produced by acids; sharp, tart, or tangy. 2. Made acid or rancid by fermentation. 3. Having the characteristics of fermentation or rancidity; tasting or smelling of decay. 4. a. Bad-tempered and morose; peevish: a sour temper. b. Displeased with something one formerly admired or liked; disenchanted: sour on ballet. 5. Not measuring up to the expected or usual ability or quality; bad. 6. Of or relating to excessively acid soil that is damaging to crops. 7. Containing excessive sulfur compounds. Used of gasoline. n. 1. The sensation of sour taste, one of the four primary tastes. 2. Something sour. 3. A mixed drink made especially with whiskey, lemon or lime juice, sugar, and sometimes soda water. v. tr. intr. soured sour·ing sours 1. To make or become sour. 2. To make or become disagreeable, disillusioned, or disenchanted. [Middle English from Old English s¿r] sour "ish adj. sour "ly adv. sour "ness n.

Synonyms: sour acid acidulous dry tart The central meaning shared by these adjectives is " having a taste like that produced by an acid ": sour cider; acid, unripe grapes; an acidulous tomato; dry white wine; tart cherries.

out of one's resources; afford: Can you spare ten minutes? v. intr. 1. To be frugal. 2. To refrain from inflicting harm; be merciful or lenient. adj. spar·er spar·est 1. a. Kept in reserve: a spare part; a spare pair of sneakers. b. Being in excess of what is needed; extra. See note at superfluous . c. Free for other use; unoccupied: spare time. 2. a. Not lavish, abundant, or excessive: a spare diet. See note at meager . b. Lean and trim. See note at lean 2 . 3. Not profuse or copious. n. 1. A replacement, especially a tire, reserved for future need. 2. Sports a. The act of knocking down all ten pins with two successive rolls of a bowling ball. b. The score so made.

Idioms: to spare 1. In addition to what is needed: We paid our bills and had money to spare. [Middle English sparen from Old English sparian] spare "ly adv. spare "ness n. spar "er n.

spark 1 ( spärk) n. 1. An incandescent particle, especially: a. One thrown off from a burning substance. b. One resulting from friction. c. One remaining in an otherwise extinguished fire; an ember. 2. A glistening particle, as of metal. 3. a. A flash of light, especially a flash produced by electric discharge. b. A short pulse or flow of electric current. 4. A trace or suggestion, as: a. A quality or feeling with latent potential; a seed or germ: the spark of genius. b. A vital, animating, or activating factor: the spark of revolution. 5. sparks used with a sing. verb Informal A radio operator aboard a ship. 6. Electricity a. The luminous phenomenon resulting from a disruptive discharge through an insulating material. b. The discharge itself. v. sparked spark·ing sparks v. intr. 1. To give off sparks. 2. To give an enthusiastic response. 3. To operate correctly. Used of the ignition system of an internal-combustion engine. v. tr. 1. To set in motion; activate: The incident sparked a controversy. 2. To rouse to action; spur: A cheering crowd sparked the runner to triumph. [Middle English sparke from Old English spearca V., from Middle English sparken from Old English spearcian] spark "er n.

spark 2 ( spärk) n. 1. An elegantly dressed, highly self-conscious young man. 2. A male suitor; a beau. v. sparked spark·ing sparks v. tr. 1. To court or woo. v. intr. 1. To play the suitor. [Perhaps of Scandinavian origin or from spark 1 ] spark "er n.

Spark ( spärk), Muriel Sarah . Born 1918 1. Scottish writer known for her satirical novels, including Memento Mori (1958) and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1961).

spar 1 ( spär) n. 1. Nautical A wooden or metal pole, such as a mast, boom, yard, or bowsprit, used to support sails and rigging. 2. A usually metal pole used as part of a crane or derrick. 3. A principal structural member in an airplane wing or a tail assembly that runs from tip to tip or from root to tip. v. tr. sparred spar·ring spars 1. To supply with spars. 2. Archaic To fasten with a bolt. [Middle English sparre rafter]

spar 2 ( spär) v. intr. sparred spar·ring spars 1. a. To box, especially to make boxing motions without hitting one's opponent. b. To participate in a practice or exhibition boxing match. 2. To bandy words about in argument; dispute. 3. To fight by striking with the feet and spurs. Used of gamecocks. n. 1. A motion of attack or defense in boxing. 2. A sparring match. [Middle English sparren to thrust or strike rapidly perhaps from Old French esparer to kick from Old Italian sparare to fling s- intensive pref.( from Latin ex- ex-) parare to ward off; See parry ]

spar 3 ( spär) n. 1. A nonmetallic, readily cleavable, translucent or transparent light-colored mineral with a shiny luster, such as feldspar. [Low German from Middle Low German]

SPAR also Spar ( spär) n. 1. A member of the women's reserve of the U.S. Coast Guard, disbanded as a separate unit in 1946. [Contraction of Latin semper par³tus always prepared, the motto of the U.S. Coast Guard semper always par³tus prepared]

sperm 1 ( spûrm) n. pl. sperm or sperms 1. A male gamete or reproductive cell; a spermatozoon. 2. Semen. [Middle English sperme semen from Old French esperme from Late Latin sperma from Greek; See sper- in Indo-European Roots.] sperm "ous adj.

sperm 2 ( spûrm) n. 1. A substance, such as spermaceti, associated with the sperm whale. [Short for spermaceti ]

sper- . Important derivatives are: sprawl sprout spurt spread Diaspora sperm 1 spore sporadic spray 1 To strew. I. Zero-grade form *spr- . 1. SPRAWL , from Old English spr ¶awlian, to sprawl, from Germanic *spr- . 2. Extended form *spreud- . a. SPROUT , from Old English spr ¿tan, to sprout; b. SPRITZ , SPRITZER , from Middle High German sprützen , to spurt, spray; c. SPRIT , from Old English spr ¶ot, pole ( < " sprout, stem "); d. BOWSPRIT , from Middle Low German b ½chspr¶t, bowsprit. a, b, c, and d all from Germanic *spr ¿t-. 3. Extended form *spreit- . SPRAY 2 , SPREAD , from Old English -spr Ædan, to spread, from Germanic *spraidjan . II. Basic form *sper- . 1. Suffixed form *sper-yo- . DIASPORA , from Greek speirein , to scatter, with derivative spora , a scattering, sowing (see III. 1 .). 2. Suffixed form *sper-m ö. SPERM 1 , from Greek sperma , sperm, seed ( < " that which is scattered "). III. O-grade form *spor- . 1. Suffixed form *spor- ³-. SPORE , SPORO- , from Greek spora , a sowing, seed. 2. Suffixed form *spor- öd-. SPORADIC , from Greek sporas (stem sporad- ), scattered, dispersed. IV. Extended Germanic root *spr ¶(w)-. SPRAY 1 , from Middle Dutch spraeien , sprayen , to sprinkle, from Germanic *spr ¶wjan.[ Pokorny 2. (s)p(h)er- 993. ]

spire 1 ( spºr) n. 1. A top part or point that tapers upward; a pinnacle. 2. A structure or formation, such as a steeple, that tapers to a point at the top. 3. A slender, tapering part, such as a newly sprouting blade of grass. v. spired spir·ing spires v. tr. 1. To furnish with a spire. v. intr. 1. To rise and taper steeply. [Middle English from Old English spºr]

spire 2 ( spºr) n. 1. a. A spiral. b. A single turn of a spiral; a whorl. 2. The area farthest from the aperture and nearest the apex on a coiled gastropod shell. [Latin spºra coil from Greek speira]

spirt ( spûrt) n. v. Chiefly British 1. Variant of spurt .

spore ( spôr, sp ½r) n. 1. A small, usually single-celled reproductive body that is highly resistant to desiccation and heat and is capable of growing into a new organism, produced especially by certain bacteria, fungi, algae, and nonflowering plants. 2. A dormant, nonreproductive body formed by certain bacteria in response to adverse environmental conditions. v. intr. spored spor·ing spores 1. To produce spores. [Greek spora seed; See sper- in Indo-European Roots.] spo·ra "ceous ( sp…-r³"sh…s, spô-, sp ½-) adj.

sper- . Important derivatives are: sprawl sprout spurt spread Diaspora sperm 1 spore sporadic spray 1 To strew. I. Zero-grade form *spr- . 1. SPRAWL , from Old English spr ¶awlian, to sprawl, from Germanic *spr- . 2. Extended form *spreud- . a. SPROUT , from Old English spr ¿tan, to sprout; b. SPRITZ , SPRITZER , from Middle High German sprützen , to spurt, spray; c. SPRIT , from Old English spr ¶ot, pole ( < " sprout, stem "); d. BOWSPRIT , from Middle Low German b ½chspr¶t, bowsprit. a, b, c, and d all from Germanic *spr ¿t-. 3. Extended form *spreit- . SPRAY 2 , SPREAD , from Old English -spr Ædan, to spread, from Germanic *spraidjan . II. Basic form *sper- . 1. Suffixed form *sper-yo- . DIASPORA , from Greek speirein , to scatter, with derivative spora , a scattering, sowing (see III. 1 .). 2. Suffixed form *sper-m ö. SPERM 1 , from Greek sperma , sperm, seed ( < " that which is scattered "). III. O-grade form *spor- . 1. Suffixed form *spor- ³-. SPORE , SPORO- , from Greek spora , a sowing, seed. 2. Suffixed form *spor- öd-. SPORADIC , from Greek sporas (stem sporad- ), scattered, dispersed. IV. Extended Germanic root *spr ¶(w)-. SPRAY 1 , from Middle Dutch spraeien , sprayen , to sprinkle, from Germanic *spr ¶wjan.[ Pokorny 2. (s)p(h)er- 993. ]

sport ( spôrt, sp ½rt) n. 1. An activity involving physical exertion and skill that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often undertaken competitively. 2. An active pastime; recreation. 3. a. Mockery; jest: He made sport of his own looks. b. An object of mockery, jest, or play: treated our interests as sport. c. A joking mood or attitude: She made the remark in sport. 4. a. One known for the manner of one's acceptance of rules, especially of a game, or of a difficult situation: a poor sport. b. Informal One who accepts rules or difficult situations well. c. Informal A pleasant companion: was a real sport during the trip. 5. Informal a. A person who lives a jolly, extravagant life. b. A gambler at sporting events. 6. Biology An organism that shows a marked change from the normal type or parent stock, typically as a result of mutation. 7. Maine See summercater . See note at summercater . 8. Obsolete Amorous dalliance; lovemaking. v. sport·ed sport·ing sports v. intr. 1. To play or frolic. 2. To joke or trifle. 3. Biology To mutate. v. tr. 1. To display or show off: " His shoes sported elevated heels " Truman Capote adj. or sports 1. Of, relating to, or appropriate for sports: sport fishing; sports equipment. 2. Designed or appropriate for outdoor or informal wear: a sport shirt. [Middle English sporte short for disporte from Old French desport pleasure from desporter to divert; See disport ] sport "ful adj. sport "ful·ly adv. sport "ful·ness n.

per- 2 . Important derivatives are: firth fjord fare wayfarer welfare pore 2 emporium ferry fern ford port 1 opportune porch portal portable portage porter 1 export import important portfolio rapport report sport support transport To lead, pass over. A verbal root belonging to the group of per 1 . I. Full-grade form *per- . 1. Suffixed form *per-tu- . FIRTH , FJORD , from Old Norse fjördhr , an inlet, estuary, from Germanic *ferthuz , place for crossing over, ford. 2. Suffixed form *per-on ³. PERONEAL , from Greek peron ¶, pin of a brooch, buckle ( < " that which pierces through "). 3. Suffixed form *per-yo- . DIAPIR , from Greek peirein , to pierce. II. O-grade form *por- . 1. a. (i) FARE ; WAYFARER , WAYFARING , ( WELFARE ), from Old English faran , to go on a journey, get along; (ii) FIELDFARE , from Old English faran , possibly altered by folk etymology in Old English, from an uncertain original; b. GABERDINE , from Old High German faran , to go, travel. Both a and b from Germanic *faran , to go. 2. Suffixed form *por-o- , passage, journey. PORE 2 ; EMPORIUM , POROMERIC , from Greek poros , journey, passage. 3. Suffixed (causative) form *por-eyo- , to cause to go, lead, conduct. FERRY , from Old English ferian , to transport, from Germanic *farjan , to ferry. 4. Lengthened-grade form *p ½r-. a. FERE , from Old English (ge)f ¶ra, " fellow-traveler," companion ( ge- , together, with; see kom ), from Germanic suffixed form *f ½r-ja-; b. FüHRER , from Old High German fuoren , to lead, from Germanic suffixed (causative) form *f ½r-jan. 5. Possibly suffixed form *por-no- , feather, wing ( < " that which carries a bird in flight "). a. FERN , from Old English fearn , fern (having feathery fronds), from Germanic *farn ½, feather, leaf; b. PAN 2 , from Sanskrit par ñam, leaf, feather. III. Zero-grade form *p —-. 1. Suffixed form *p —-tu-, passage. a. FORD , from Old English ford , shallow place where one may cross a river, from Germanic *furdu- ; b. PORT 1 ; IMPORTUNE , OPPORTUNE , from Latin portus , harbor ( < " passage"). 2. Suffixed form *p —-t³. PORCH , PORT 3 , PORTAL , PORTCULLIS , PORTER 2 , PORTICO , PORTIèRE , PORTULACA , from Latin porta , gate. 3. Suffixed (denominative) form *p —-to-. PORT 5 , PORTABLE , PORTAGE , PORTAMENTO , PORTATIVE , PORTER 1 ; COMPORT , DEPORT , EXPORT , IMPORT , ( IMPORTANT ), PORTFOLIO , PURPORT , RAPPORT , REPORT , ( SPORT ), SUPPORT , TRANSPORT , from Latin port ³re, to carry. [ Pokorny 2. B. per 816. ]

spurn ( spûrn) v. spurned spurn·ing spurns v. tr. 1. To reject disdainfully or contemptuously; scorn. See note at refuse 1 . 2. To kick at or tread on disdainfully. v. intr. 1. To reject something contemptuously. n. 1. A contemptuous rejection. 2. Archaic A kick. [Middle English spurnen from Old English spurnan; See sper …- in Indo-European Roots.] spurn "er n.

sper …-. Important derivatives are: spur spurn spoor Ankle. I. Zero-grade form *sp —(…)-. 1. SPUR , from Old English spura , spora , spur, from Germanic suffixed form *spur- ½n-. 2. Nasalized form *sp —-n-…-. SPURN , from Old English spurnan , spornan , to kick, strike against, from Germanic *spurn ½n. 3. SPOOR , from Middle Dutch spor , spoor , track of an animal, from Germanic suffixed form *spur-am .[ Pokorny 1. sp(h)er- 992. ]

spur ( spûr) n. 1. A short spike or spiked wheel that attaches to the heel of a rider's boot and is used to urge a horse forward. 2. Something that serves as a goad or an incentive. 3. A spurlike attachment or projection, as: a. A spinelike process on the leg of some birds. b. A climbing iron; a crampon. c. A gaff attached to the leg of a gamecock. d. A short or stunted branch of a tree. e. A bony outgrowth or protuberance. 4. A lateral ridge projecting from a mountain or mountain range. 5. An oblique reinforcing prop or stay of timber or masonry. 6. Botany A tubular or saclike extension of the corolla or calyx of a flower, as in a columbine or larkspur. 7. An ergot growing on rye. 8. A spur track. v. spurred spur·ring spurs v. tr. 1. To urge (a horse) on by the use of spurs. 2. To incite or stimulate: " A business tax cut is needed to spur industrial investment " New York Times v. intr. 1. To ride quickly by spurring a horse. 2. To proceed in haste. [Middle English spure from Old English spura; See sper …- in Indo-European Roots.]

spurt ( spûrt) n. 1. A sudden forcible gush or jet. 2. A sudden short burst, as of energy or activity. v. spurt·ed spurt·ing spurts v. intr. 1. To gush forth suddenly in a jet. 2. To make a brief intense effort. v. tr. 1. To force out in a sudden jet. [Origin unknown]

stare ( stâr) v. stared star·ing stares v. intr. 1. To look directly and fixedly, often with a wide-eyed gaze. See note at gaze . 2. To be conspicuous; stand out. 3. To stand on end; bristle, as hair or feathers. v. tr. 1. To look at directly and fixedly: stared him in the eyes. n. 1. An intent gaze.

Phrasal Verbs: stare down 1. To cause to waver or give in by or as if by staring.

Idioms: stare (one) in the face 1. To be plainly visible or obvious; force itself on (one's) attention: The money on the table was staring her in the face. 2. To be obvious though initially overlooked: The explanation had been staring him in the face all along. 3. To be imminent or unavoidable: Bankruptcy now stares us in the face. [Middle English staren from Old English starian; See ster- 1 in Indo-European Roots.] star "er n.

ster- 1 . Important derivatives are: stare stark starch stern 1 stereo- stork strut start startle starve torpedo torpor Stiff. I. O-grade form *stor- . 1. Suffixed form *stor- ¶-. STARE , from Old English starian , to stare, from Germanic *staren . 2. Extended form *stor-g- . a. STARK , from Old English stearc , hard, severe, from Germanic *starkaz ; b. STARCH , from Old English *stercan , to stiffen, from Germanic denominative *starkjan . II. Full-grade form *ster- . 1. STERN 1 , from Old English stierne , styrne , firm, from Germanic *sternjaz . 2. Suffixed form *ster-ewo- . STERE , STEREO- ; CHOLESTEROL , from Greek stereos , solid. 3. Lengthened-grade form *st ¶r-. STERIGMA , from Greek st ¶rizein, to support. III. Zero-grade form *st —-. 1. Extended form *st —g-. STORK , from Old English storc , stork (probably from the stiff movements of the bird), from Germanic *sturkaz . 2. STRUT , from Old English str ¿tian, to stand out stiffly, from Germanic *str ¿t-. IV. Extended form *sterd- . 1. REDSTART , from Old English steort , tail, from Germanic *stertaz . 2. a. START , from Old English *styrtan , to leap up ( < " move briskly, move stiffly "); b. STARTLE , from Old English steartlian , to kick, struggle. Both a and b from Germanic *stert- . V. Extended form *sterbh- . STARVE , from Old English steorfan , to die ( < " become rigid "), from Germanic *sterban . VI. Extended form *(s)terp- in suffixed (stative) zero-grade form *t —p-¶-. TORPEDO , TORPID , TORPOR , from Latin torp ¶re, to be stiff. [ Pokorny 1. (s)ter- 1022. ]

stark ( stärk) adj. stark·er stark·est 1. Bare; blunt: " His language has become increasingly stark, to the point of sounding strident " Robert Pear 2. Complete or utter; extreme: stark poverty; a stark contrast. 3. Harsh; grim: " faced with that stark future " Robert C. McFarlane " [They] found it hard to accept such a stark portrait of unrelieved failure " W. Bruce Lincoln adv. 1. Utterly; entirely: stark raving mad. [Middle English stiff, severe, strong from Old English stearc; See ster- 1 in Indo-European Roots.] stark "ly adv. stark "ness n.

Stark ( stärk, shtärk ), Johannes . 1874-1957 1. German physicist. He won a 1919 Nobel Prize for his discovery of the Stark effect, the splitting of spectral lines when light passes through an electric field.

Stark ( stärk), John . 1728-1822 1. American Revolutionary general who defeated the British at Bennington, Vermont (1777).

ster- 1 . Important derivatives are: stare stark starch stern 1 stereo- stork strut start startle starve torpedo torpor Stiff. I. O-grade form *stor- . 1. Suffixed form *stor- ¶-. STARE , from Old English starian , to stare, from Germanic *staren . 2. Extended form *stor-g- . a. STARK , from Old English stearc , hard, severe, from Germanic *starkaz ; b. STARCH , from Old English *stercan , to stiffen, from Germanic denominative *starkjan . II. Full-grade form *ster- . 1. STERN 1 , from Old English stierne , styrne , firm, from Germanic *sternjaz . 2. Suffixed form *ster-ewo- . STERE , STEREO- ; CHOLESTEROL , from Greek stereos , solid. 3. Lengthened-grade form *st ¶r-. STERIGMA , from Greek st ¶rizein, to support. III. Zero-grade form *st —-. 1. Extended form *st —g-. STORK , from Old English storc , stork (probably from the stiff movements of the bird), from Germanic *sturkaz . 2. STRUT , from Old English str ¿tian, to stand out stiffly, from Germanic *str ¿t-. IV. Extended form *sterd- . 1. REDSTART , from Old English steort , tail, from Germanic *stertaz . 2. a. START , from Old English *styrtan , to leap up ( < " move briskly, move stiffly "); b. STARTLE , from Old English steartlian , to kick, struggle. Both a and b from Germanic *stert- . V. Extended form *sterbh- . STARVE , from Old English steorfan , to die ( < " become rigid "), from Germanic *sterban . VI. Extended form *(s)terp- in suffixed (stative) zero-grade form *t —p-¶-. TORPEDO , TORPID , TORPOR , from Latin torp ¶re, to be stiff. [ Pokorny 1. (s)ter- 1022. ]

Stark Technical College 1. 6200 Frank Avenue NW, Canton, OH 44720; Public; 3,987

star ( stär) n. 1. Astronomy a. A self-luminous celestial body consisting of a mass of gas held together by its own gravity in which the energy generated by nuclear reactions in the interior is balanced by the outflow of energy to the surface, and the inward-directed gravitational forces are balanced by the outward-directed gas and radiation pressures. b. Any of the celestial bodies visible at night from Earth as relatively stationary, usually twinkling points of light. c. Something regarded as resembling such a celestial body. 2. A graphic design having five or more radiating points, often used as a symbol of rank or merit. 3. An artistic performer or athlete whose leading role or superior performance is acknowledged. 4. An asterisk (·). 5. A white spot on the forehead of a horse. 6. A planet or constellation of the zodiac believed in astrology to influence personal destiny. 7. stars The future; destiny. Often used with the. adj. 1. Of, relating to, or being an outstanding, famous perfomer: a star figure skater. v. starred star·ring stars v. tr. 1. a. To ornament with stars. b. To award or mark with a star for excellence. 2. To mark with an asterisk. 3. To present or feature (a performer) in a leading role. v. intr. 1. To play the leading role in a theatrical or film production. 2. To do an outstanding job; perform excellently.

Idioms: have stars in (one's) eyes 1. To be dazzled or enraptured, as with romantic love. see stars 1. To experience bright, flashing sensations, as from a blow to the head. [Middle English sterre from Old English steorra; See ster- 3 in Indo-European Roots.]

start ( stärt) v. start·ed start·ing starts v. intr. 1. To begin an activity or a movement; set out. 2. To have a beginning; commence. See note at begin . 3. To move suddenly or involuntarily: started at the loud noise. 4. To come quickly into view, life, or activity; spring forth. 5. Sports To be in the initial lineup of a game or race. 6. To protrude or bulge. 7. To become loosened or disengaged. v. tr. 1. To commence; begin. 2. To set into motion, operation, or activity. 3. To introduce; originate. 4. Sports a. To play in the initial lineup of (a game). b. To put (a player) into the initial lineup of a game. c. To enter (a participant) into a race or game. 5. To found; establish: start a business. 6. To tend in an early stage of development: start seedlings. 7. To rouse (game) from its hiding place or lair; flush. 8. To cause to become displaced or loosened. n. Abbr. st. 1. a. A beginning; a commencement. b. The beginning of a new construction project: a large number of new housing starts this year. 2. A place or time of beginning. 3. Sports a. A starting line for a race. b. A signal to begin a race. c. An instance of beginning a game or race: a pitcher who won his first five starts. 4. A startled reaction or movement. 5. A part that has become dislocated or loosened. 6. A position of advantage over others, as in a race or an endeavor; a lead. 7. An opportunity granted to pursue a career or course of action.

Idioms: start something Informal 1. To cause trouble. to start with 1. At the beginning; initially. 2. In any case. [Middle English sterten to move or leap suddenly from Old English *styrtan ; See ster- 1 in Indo-European Roots.]

ster- 1 . Important derivatives are: stare stark starch stern 1 stereo- stork strut start startle starve torpedo torpor Stiff. I. O-grade form *stor- . 1. Suffixed form *stor- ¶-. STARE , from Old English starian , to stare, from Germanic *staren . 2. Extended form *stor-g- . a. STARK , from Old English stearc , hard, severe, from Germanic *starkaz ; b. STARCH , from Old English *stercan , to stiffen, from Germanic denominative *starkjan . II. Full-grade form *ster- . 1. STERN 1 , from Old English stierne , styrne , firm, from Germanic *sternjaz . 2. Suffixed form *ster-ewo- . STERE , STEREO- ; CHOLESTEROL , from Greek stereos , solid. 3. Lengthened-grade form *st ¶r-. STERIGMA , from Greek st ¶rizein, to support. III. Zero-grade form *st —-. 1. Extended form *st —g-. STORK , from Old English storc , stork (probably from the stiff movements of the bird), from Germanic *sturkaz . 2. STRUT , from Old English str ¿tian, to stand out stiffly, from Germanic *str ¿t-. IV. Extended form *sterd- . 1. REDSTART , from Old English steort , tail, from Germanic *stertaz . 2. a. START , from Old English *styrtan , to leap up ( < " move briskly, move stiffly "); b. STARTLE , from Old English steartlian , to kick, struggle. Both a and b from Germanic *stert- . V. Extended form *sterbh- . STARVE , from Old English steorfan , to die ( < " become rigid "), from Germanic *sterban . VI. Extended form *(s)terp- in suffixed (stative) zero-grade form *t —p-¶-. TORPEDO , TORPID , TORPOR , from Latin torp ¶re, to be stiff. [ Pokorny 1. (s)ter- 1022. ]

stere ( stîr) n. Abbr. s 1. A unit of volume equal to one cubic meter. [French stère from Greek stereos solid, hard; See ster- 1 in Indo-European Roots.]

ster- 1 . Important derivatives are: stare stark starch stern 1 stereo- stork strut start startle starve torpedo torpor Stiff. I. O-grade form *stor- . 1. Suffixed form *stor- ¶-. STARE , from Old English starian , to stare, from Germanic *staren . 2. Extended form *stor-g- . a. STARK , from Old English stearc , hard, severe, from Germanic *starkaz ; b. STARCH , from Old English *stercan , to stiffen, from Germanic denominative *starkjan . II. Full-grade form *ster- . 1. STERN 1 , from Old English stierne , styrne , firm, from Germanic *sternjaz . 2. Suffixed form *ster-ewo- . STERE , STEREO- ; CHOLESTEROL , from Greek stereos , solid. 3. Lengthened-grade form *st ¶r-. STERIGMA , from Greek st ¶rizein, to support. III. Zero-grade form *st —-. 1. Extended form *st —g-. STORK , from Old English storc , stork (probably from the stiff movements of the bird), from Germanic *sturkaz . 2. STRUT , from Old English str ¿tian, to stand out stiffly, from Germanic *str ¿t-. IV. Extended form *sterd- . 1. REDSTART , from Old English steort , tail, from Germanic *stertaz . 2. a. START , from Old English *styrtan , to leap up ( < " move briskly, move stiffly "); b. STARTLE , from Old English steartlian , to kick, struggle. Both a and b from Germanic *stert- . V. Extended form *sterbh- . STARVE , from Old English steorfan , to die ( < " become rigid "), from Germanic *sterban . VI. Extended form *(s)terp- in suffixed (stative) zero-grade form *t —p-¶-. TORPEDO , TORPID , TORPOR , from Latin torp ¶re, to be stiff. [ Pokorny 1. (s)ter- 1022. ]

stern 1 ( stûrn) adj. stern·er stern·est 1. Hard, harsh, or severe in manner or character: a stern disciplinarian. See note at severe . 2. Grim, gloomy, or forbidding in appearance or outlook. 3. Firm or unyielding; uncompromising. 4. Inexorable; relentless: stern necessity. [Middle English sterne from Old English styrne; See ster- 1 in Indo-European Roots.] stern "ly adv. stern "ness n.

stern 2 ( stûrn) n. 1. Nautical The rear part of a ship or boat. 2. A rear part or section. [Middle English sterne perhaps of Scandinavian origin Old Norse stj½rnrudder; See st ³- in Indo-European Roots.]

Stern ( stûrn), Isaac . Born 1920 1. Russian-born American violinist who is considered among the great 20th-century virtuosos.

Stern , Otto . 1888-1969 1. German-born American physicist. He won a 1943 Nobel Prize for detecting the magnetic movements of atomic particles.

st ³-. Important derivatives are: steed stud 2 stool stage stance stanza stay 1 arrest circumstance constant contrast cost distant instant obstacle obstetric rest 2 substance stand understand standard stem 1 station static destine obstinate state statue statute institute prostitute substitute superstition establish stable 1 assist exist insist resist ecstasy system post 1 store steer 1 steer 2 To stand; with derivatives meaning " place or thing that is standing. " Contracted from *sta …-. I. Basic form *st ³-. 1. Extended form *st ³dh-. a. STEED , from Old English st ¶da, stallion, studhorse ( < " place for breeding horses "), from Germanic *st ½d-j½n-; b. STUD 2 , from Old English st ½d, establishment for breeding horses, from Germanic *st ½d½. 2. Suffixed form *st ³-lo-. a. STOOL , from Old English st ½l, stool; b. (see pel- 2 ) Germanic compound *faldist ½laz. Both a and b from Germanic *st ½laz. 3. ESTANCIA , STAGE , STANCE , STANCH 1 , STANCHION , ( STANZA ), STATOR , STAY 1 , STET ; ARREST , CIRCUMSTANCE , CONSTANT , CONTRAST , ( COST ), DISTANT , EXTANT , INSTANT , OBSTACLE , OBSTETRIC , ( OUST ), REST 2 , RESTIVE , SUBSTANCE , from Latin st ³re, to stand. 4. Suffixed form *st ³-men-. ETAMINE , STAMEN , STAMMEL , from Latin st ³men, thread of the warp (a technical term). 5. Suffixed form *st ³-mon-. PENSTEMON , from Greek st ¶m½n, thread. 6. Suffixed form *st ³-ro-. STARETS , from Old Church Slavonic star ¾, old ( "long-standing"). II. Zero-grade form *st …- (before consonants). 1. Nasalized extended form *st …-n-t-. a. STAND , from Old English standan , to stand; b. UNDERSTAND , from Old English understandan , to know, stand under ( under- , under-; see ö dher); c. STANDARD , from Frankish *standan , to stand; d. STOUND , from Old English stund , a fixed time, while, from secondary zero-grade form in Germanic *stund- ½. a, b, c, and d all from Germanic *standan . 2. Suffixed form *st …-tyo-. STITHY , from Old Norse stedhi , anvil, from Germanic *stathj ½n-. 3. Suffixed form *st …-tlo-. STADDLE , STARLING 2 , from Old English stathol , foundation, from Germanic *stathlaz . 4. Suffixed form *st …-mno-. STEM 1 , from Old English stefn , stem, tree trunk, from Germanic *stamniz . 5. Suffixed form *st …-ti-. a. (i) STEAD , from Old English stede , place; (ii) STADHOLDER , from Dutch stad , place; (iii) SHTETL , from Old High German stat , place. (i), (ii) , and (iii) all from Germanic *stadiz ; b. STAT 2 , from Latin statim , at once; c. STATION , from Latin stati ½, a standing still; d. ARMISTICE , SOLSTICE , from Latin -stitium , a stoppage; e. STASIS , from Greek stasis (see III. 1. b .), a standing, a standstill. 6. Suffixed form *st …-to-. a. BESTEAD , from Old Norse stadhr , place, from Germanic *stadaz , placed; b. -STAT , STATIC , STATICE , STATO- ; ASTASIA , ( ASTATINE ), from Greek statos , placed, standing. 7. Suffixed form *st …-no-. a. DESTINE , from Latin d ¶stin³re, to make firm, establish ( d ¶-, thoroughly; see de- ); b. OBSTINATE , from Latin obstin ³re, to set one's mind on, persist ( ob- , on; see epi ). 8. Suffixed form *st …-tu-. STATE , STATISTICS , ( STATUE ), STATURE , STATUS , STATUTE ; CONSTITUTE , DESTITUTE , INSTITUTE , PROSTITUTE , RESTITUTE , SUBSTITUTE , SUPERSTITION , from Latin status , manner, position, condition, attitude, with derivatives stat ¿ra, height, stature, statuere , to set up, erect, cause to stand, and superstes ( < *-st …-t-), witness ( "who stands beyond "). 9. Suffixed form *st …-dhlo-. STABLE 2 ; CONSTABLE , from Latin stabulum , " standing place, " stable. 10. Suffixed form *st …-dhli-. ESTABLISH , STABLE 1 , from Latin stabilis , standing firm. 11. Suffixed form *st …-t³. -STAT ; ENSTATITE , from Greek -stat ¶s, one that causes to stand, a standing. III. Zero-grade form *st- , *st( …)- (before vowels). 1. Reduplicated form *si-st( …)-. a. ASSIST , CONSIST , DESIST , EXIST , INSIST , INTERSTICE , PERSIST , RESIST , SUBSIST , from Latin sistere , to set, place, stop, stand; b. APOSTASY , CATASTASIS , DIASTASIS , ECSTASY , EPISTASIS , EPISTEMOLOGY , HYPOSTASIS , ICONOSTASIS , ISOSTASY , METASTASIS , PROSTATE , SYSTEM , from Greek histanai (aorist stanai ), to set, place, with stasis ( *st …-ti-), a standing (see II. 5. e .); c. HISTO- ; HISTIOCYTE , from Greek histos , web, tissue ( < " that which is set up "). 2. Compound form *tri-st-i- , " third person standing by " (see trei- ). 3. Compound form *por-st-i- , " that which stands before " ( *por- , before, forth; see per 1 ). POST 1 , from Latin postis , post. 4. Suffixed form *st-o- in compound *upo-st-o- , " one who stands under " (see upo ). IV. Extended root *st ³u- ( < *sta …u-), becoming *stau- before consonants, *st ³w- before vowels; basic meaning " stout-standing, strong. " 1. Suffixed extended form *st ³w-³. STOW , from Old English st ½w, place, from Germanic *st ½w½. 2. Probable o-grade suffixed extended form *st ½w-y³. STOA , STOIC , from Greek stoa , porch. 3. Suffixed extended form *stau-ro- . a. (i) STORE ; INSTAURATION , from Latin º nstaur³re, to restore, set upright again ( in- , on; see en ); (ii) RESTORE , from Latin restaur ³re, to restore, rebuild ( re- , anew, again; see re- ); b. STAUROLITE , from Greek stauros , cross, post, stake. 4. Variant *tau-ro- , bull (see tauro- ). V. Zero-grade extended root *st ¿- ( < *stu …-). Suffixed form *st ¿-lo-. STYLITE ; AMPHISTYLAR , ASTYLAR , EPISTYLE , HYPOSTYLE , PERISTYLE , PROSTYLE , STYLOBATE , from Greek stulos , pillar. VI. Secondary full-grade form *steu …-. Suffixed form *steu …-ro-. THERAVADA , from Sanskrit sthavira- , thick, stout, old. VII. Variant zero-grade extended root *stu- . Suffixed form *stu-t- . STUD 1 , from Old English stuthu , studu , post, prop. VIII. Secondary full-grade form *steu- . 1. Suffixed form *steu-r ³. STARBOARD , from Old English st ¶or-, a steering, from Germanic *steur ½, " a steering. " 2. a. STEER 1 , from Old English st ºeran, st ¶ran, to steer; b. STERN 2 , from Middle English sterne , stern of a boat, possibly from a source akin to Old Norse stj ½rn, a rudder, a steering, derivative of st þra, to steer. Both a and b from Germanic denominative *steurjan . 3. Suffixed form *steu-ro- , a larger domestic animal. STEER 2 , from Old English st ¶or, steer, from Germanic *steuraz , ox. 4. STIRK , from Old English st ºrc, stierc , calf, from Germanic diminutive *steur-ika- , probably from st ³-. [ Pokorny st ³- 1004. ]

ster- 1 . Important derivatives are: stare stark starch stern 1 stereo- stork strut start startle starve torpedo torpor Stiff. I. O-grade form *stor- . 1. Suffixed form *stor- ¶-. STARE , from Old English starian , to stare, from Germanic *staren . 2. Extended form *stor-g- . a. STARK , from Old English stearc , hard, severe, from Germanic *starkaz ; b. STARCH , from Old English *stercan , to stiffen, from Germanic denominative *starkjan . II. Full-grade form *ster- . 1. STERN 1 , from Old English stierne , styrne , firm, from Germanic *sternjaz . 2. Suffixed form *ster-ewo- . STERE , STEREO- ; CHOLESTEROL , from Greek stereos , solid. 3. Lengthened-grade form *st ¶r-. STERIGMA , from Greek st ¶rizein, to support. III. Zero-grade form *st —-. 1. Extended form *st —g-. STORK , from Old English storc , stork (probably from the stiff movements of the bird), from Germanic *sturkaz . 2. STRUT , from Old English str ¿tian, to stand out stiffly, from Germanic *str ¿t-. IV. Extended form *sterd- . 1. REDSTART , from Old English steort , tail, from Germanic *stertaz . 2. a. START , from Old English *styrtan , to leap up ( < " move briskly, move stiffly "); b. STARTLE , from Old English steartlian , to kick, struggle. Both a and b from Germanic *stert- . V. Extended form *sterbh- . STARVE , from Old English steorfan , to die ( < " become rigid "), from Germanic *sterban . VI. Extended form *(s)terp- in suffixed (stative) zero-grade form *t —p-¶-. TORPEDO , TORPID , TORPOR , from Latin torp ¶re, to be stiff. [ Pokorny 1. (s)ter- 1022. ]

stirk ( stûrk) n. Chiefly British 1. A heifer or bullock, especially between one and two years old. [Middle English from Old English stºrc;See st ³- in Indo-European Roots.]

st ³-. Important derivatives are: steed stud 2 stool stage stance stanza stay 1 arrest circumstance constant contrast cost distant instant obstacle obstetric rest 2 substance stand understand standard stem 1 station static destine obstinate state statue statute institute prostitute substitute superstition establish stable 1 assist exist insist resist ecstasy system post 1 store steer 1 steer 2 To stand; with derivatives meaning " place or thing that is standing. " Contracted from *sta …-. I. Basic form *st ³-. 1. Extended form *st ³dh-. a. STEED , from Old English st ¶da, stallion, studhorse ( < " place for breeding horses "), from Germanic *st ½d-j½n-; b. STUD 2 , from Old English st ½d, establishment for breeding horses, from Germanic *st ½d½. 2. Suffixed form *st ³-lo-. a. STOOL , from Old English st ½l, stool; b. (see pel- 2 ) Germanic compound *faldist ½laz. Both a and b from Germanic *st ½laz. 3. ESTANCIA , STAGE , STANCE , STANCH 1 , STANCHION , ( STANZA ), STATOR , STAY 1 , STET ; ARREST , CIRCUMSTANCE , CONSTANT , CONTRAST , ( COST ), DISTANT , EXTANT , INSTANT , OBSTACLE , OBSTETRIC , ( OUST ), REST 2 , RESTIVE , SUBSTANCE , from Latin st ³re, to stand. 4. Suffixed form *st ³-men-. ETAMINE , STAMEN , STAMMEL , from Latin st ³men, thread of the warp (a technical term). 5. Suffixed form *st ³-mon-. PENSTEMON , from Greek st ¶m½n, thread. 6. Suffixed form *st ³-ro-. STARETS , from Old Church Slavonic star ¾, old ( "long-standing"). II. Zero-grade form *st …- (before consonants). 1. Nasalized extended form *st …-n-t-. a. STAND , from Old English standan , to stand; b. UNDERSTAND , from Old English understandan , to know, stand under ( under- , under-; see ö dher); c. STANDARD , from Frankish *standan , to stand; d. STOUND , from Old English stund , a fixed time, while, from secondary zero-grade form in Germanic *stund- ½. a, b, c, and d all from Germanic *standan . 2. Suffixed form *st …-tyo-. STITHY , from Old Norse stedhi , anvil, from Germanic *stathj ½n-. 3. Suffixed form *st …-tlo-. STADDLE , STARLING 2 , from Old English stathol , foundation, from Germanic *stathlaz . 4. Suffixed form *st …-mno-. STEM 1 , from Old English stefn , stem, tree trunk, from Germanic *stamniz . 5. Suffixed form *st …-ti-. a. (i) STEAD , from Old English stede , place; (ii) STADHOLDER , from Dutch stad , place; (iii) SHTETL , from Old High German stat , place. (i), (ii) , and (iii) all from Germanic *stadiz ; b. STAT 2 , from Latin statim , at once; c. STATION , from Latin stati ½, a standing still; d. ARMISTICE , SOLSTICE , from Latin -stitium , a stoppage; e. STASIS , from Greek stasis (see III. 1. b .), a standing, a standstill. 6. Suffixed form *st …-to-. a. BESTEAD , from Old Norse stadhr , place, from Germanic *stadaz , placed; b. -STAT , STATIC , STATICE , STATO- ; ASTASIA , ( ASTATINE ), from Greek statos , placed, standing. 7. Suffixed form *st …-no-. a. DESTINE , from Latin d ¶stin³re, to make firm, establish ( d ¶-, thoroughly; see de- ); b. OBSTINATE , from Latin obstin ³re, to set one's mind on, persist ( ob- , on; see epi ). 8. Suffixed form *st …-tu-. STATE , STATISTICS , ( STATUE ), STATURE , STATUS , STATUTE ; CONSTITUTE , DESTITUTE , INSTITUTE , PROSTITUTE , RESTITUTE , SUBSTITUTE , SUPERSTITION , from Latin status , manner, position, condition, attitude, with derivatives stat ¿ra, height, stature, statuere , to set up, erect, cause to stand, and superstes ( < *-st …-t-), witness ( "who stands beyond "). 9. Suffixed form *st …-dhlo-. STABLE 2 ; CONSTABLE , from Latin stabulum , " standing place, " stable. 10. Suffixed form *st …-dhli-. ESTABLISH , STABLE 1 , from Latin stabilis , standing firm. 11. Suffixed form *st …-t³. -STAT ; ENSTATITE , from Greek -stat ¶s, one that causes to stand, a standing. III. Zero-grade form *st- , *st( …)- (before vowels). 1. Reduplicated form *si-st( …)-. a. ASSIST , CONSIST , DESIST , EXIST , INSIST , INTERSTICE , PERSIST , RESIST , SUBSIST , from Latin sistere , to set, place, stop, stand; b. APOSTASY , CATASTASIS , DIASTASIS , ECSTASY , EPISTASIS , EPISTEMOLOGY , HYPOSTASIS , ICONOSTASIS , ISOSTASY , METASTASIS , PROSTATE , SYSTEM , from Greek histanai (aorist stanai ), to set, place, with stasis ( *st …-ti-), a standing (see II. 5. e .); c. HISTO- ; HISTIOCYTE , from Greek histos , web, tissue ( < " that which is set up "). 2. Compound form *tri-st-i- , " third person standing by " (see trei- ). 3. Compound form *por-st-i- , " that which stands before " ( *por- , before, forth; see per 1 ). POST 1 , from Latin postis , post. 4. Suffixed form *st-o- in compound *upo-st-o- , " one who stands under " (see upo ). IV. Extended root *st ³u- ( < *sta …u-), becoming *stau- before consonants, *st ³w- before vowels; basic meaning " stout-standing, strong. " 1. Suffixed extended form *st ³w-³. STOW , from Old English st ½w, place, from Germanic *st ½w½. 2. Probable o-grade suffixed extended form *st ½w-y³. STOA , STOIC , from Greek stoa , porch. 3. Suffixed extended form *stau-ro- . a. (i) STORE ; INSTAURATION , from Latin º nstaur³re, to restore, set upright again ( in- , on; see en ); (ii) RESTORE , from Latin restaur ³re, to restore, rebuild ( re- , anew, again; see re- ); b. STAUROLITE , from Greek stauros , cross, post, stake. 4. Variant *tau-ro- , bull (see tauro- ). V. Zero-grade extended root *st ¿- ( < *stu …-). Suffixed form *st ¿-lo-. STYLITE ; AMPHISTYLAR , ASTYLAR , EPISTYLE , HYPOSTYLE , PERISTYLE , PROSTYLE , STYLOBATE , from Greek stulos , pillar. VI. Secondary full-grade form *steu …-. Suffixed form *steu …-ro-. THERAVADA , from Sanskrit sthavira- , thick, stout, old. VII. Variant zero-grade extended root *stu- . Suffixed form *stu-t- . STUD 1 , from Old English stuthu , studu , post, prop. VIII. Secondary full-grade form *steu- . 1. Suffixed form *steu-r ³. STARBOARD , from Old English st ¶or-, a steering, from Germanic *steur ½, " a steering. " 2. a. STEER 1 , from Old English st ºeran, st ¶ran, to steer; b. STERN 2 , from Middle English sterne , stern of a boat, possibly from a source akin to Old Norse stj ½rn, a rudder, a steering, derivative of st þra, to steer. Both a and b from Germanic denominative *steurjan . 3. Suffixed form *steu-ro- , a larger domestic animal. STEER 2 , from Old English st ¶or, steer, from Germanic *steuraz , ox. 4. STIRK , from Old English st ºrc, stierc , calf, from Germanic diminutive *steur-ika- , probably from st ³-. [ Pokorny st ³- 1004. ]