Word library

Words starting with A

118 words from the news, each with a definition, etymology, and the story behind it.

ammonia

A colorless gas compound of nitrogen and hydrogen that serves as a primary chemical…

Climate

amnesia

A temporary loss or impairment of memory, often caused by a physical condition or…

Culture

amortization

The process of gradually writing down the cost of an asset or paying off a debt over a…

Business

amygdala

A small, almond-shaped region in the brain that plays a critical role in processing…

Psychology

anathema

Something or someone that is intensely disliked, detested, or formally condemned.

Technology

anesthesia

A state of controlled, temporary loss of sensation or awareness, often induced by medical…

Psychology

anglers

People who fish with a hook and line, especially as a recreational sport or in a…

Sports

angst

A deep-seated feeling of anxiety, apprehension, or dread regarding a state of affairs.

Politics

anhedonia

A core symptom of major depressive disorder characterized by a markedly diminished…

Health

annexation

The formal act of acquiring or incorporating territory into an existing state, often…

World

anomaly

Something that deviates from the expected standard, rule, or normal pattern.

Health

anosognosia

A condition in which a person with a mental illness is unaware or unable to recognize…

Health

antic

A playful, extravagant, or whimsical act or behavior, often performed for amusement or as…

Sports

antiheroine

A central female character in a story who lacks traditional heroic qualities, such as…

Culture

antisemitism

Prejudice, hostility, or discrimination directed specifically against Jewish people.

Politics

antithesis

The direct opposite or a sharp contrast to something else.

Science

antitrust

Refers to laws and government regulations designed to prevent monopolies and ensure fair…

Technology

apartheid

A policy or system of institutionalized racial segregation and systemic discrimination,…

Politics

aperitif

An alcoholic drink typically served before a meal to stimulate the appetite, often…

Culture

aperitivo

An Italian pre-dinner ritual involving a light alcoholic drink accompanied by small…

Culture

apiary

A place where honeybees are kept, managed, and housed in beehives, often for the purpose…

Culture

appendices

Supplementary materials added to the end of an academic document, such as a dissertation,…

Politics

appropriation

The legal action or legislative process of setting aside a specific sum of money for a…

Politics

aquanaut

A person who lives and conducts research in an underwater habitat for an extended period,…

Science

aquifer

A subterranean geological formation of rock or sediment that contains and allows for the…

Climate

arbiter

A person or body authorized to make a final decision, settle a dispute, or act as an…

World

arbitrage

The practice of identifying and exploiting price discrepancies for the same or similar…

Business

arbitration

A process of settling a legal dispute outside of the traditional court system, often…

Technology

arbitrator

A neutral, independent person officially appointed to settle a dispute or resolve legal…

Health

archipelago

A word often misused in the article's source text; in a geographical context, it refers…

World

archivist

A professional responsible for the preservation, maintenance, and cataloging of…

Culture

archrival

A primary or most significant opponent in a competitive relationship.

Sports

aridity

A state of being dry, characterized by a lack of sufficient rainfall or moisture to…

Science

artivism

The practice of using artistic expression as a medium for social or political protest and…

World

ascendence

The process of rising to a position of prominence, influence, or recognized status.

Culture

asceticism

A practice of rigorous self-discipline, restraint, and focus, often involving the…

Culture

asphyxiation

The state of being deprived of oxygen, leading to unconsciousness or death, specifically…

Climate

assassination

The act of murdering a prominent person or political leader, often for political or…

World

assemblage

The act of gathering or collecting diverse pieces of evidence or information to form a…

Culture

assessor

A public official responsible for determining the value of property for the purpose of…

Politics

assimilation

The forced or systematic process by which a dominant group compels a minority population…

World

astringency

A sharp, harsh, or bitter taste quality that causes a puckering or drying sensation in…

Culture

astrobiologist

A scientist who studies the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe,…

Science

astrobiology

The multidisciplinary scientific study of life in the universe, focusing on the origins,…

Science

astrochemist

A scientist who studies the chemical composition and reactions of matter found in space,…

Science

astrochemistry

The study of chemical processes and the composition of matter occurring in the…

Science

astromaterials

Physical samples or substances collected from space environments, such as meteorites,…

Science

astrometry

A branch of astronomy that involves measuring the precise positions, distances, and…

Science

astroparticle

Relating to the study of subatomic particles and their connection to cosmic phenomena,…

Science

astrophotos

High-quality, professional or enthusiast-level photographs of astronomical objects,…

Science