Word library

Words starting with P

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

photonics

The science and technology of using light (photons) to generate, detect, and manipulate…

Technology

physiatry

A medical specialty, also known as physical medicine and rehabilitation, that focuses on…

Health

phytoplankton

Microscopic, plant-like marine organisms that drift in water and are capable of…

Science

phytoremediation

A technique that uses plants to remove, degrade, or stabilize contaminants from soil or…

Science

piazza

An open public square or marketplace in an Italian town, or a gathering space designed to…

Culture

pigskin

A colloquial term for a football, historically made from pigskin leather.

Sports

pilaris

Refers to the skin condition 'keratosis pilaris,' which manifests as small, rough bumps…

Health

pitaya

A tropical fruit, also known as dragon fruit, used as a healthy, vibrant, and sweet…

Culture

pizzazz

An attractive combination of vitality, glamour, and striking personal flair that captures…

Culture

placemaking

A collaborative process of designing and programming public spaces to improve a…

Culture

placenta

A temporary organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy to provide oxygen and…

Health

plagiarism

The act of using or closely imitating the language, plotlines, or creative ideas of…

Technology

plasma

A state of matter consisting of a hot, ionized gas composed of free electrons and…

Science

plaudits

Expressions of praise, approval, or acclaim given to someone or something.

Technology

playcaller

The person, typically a coach or offensive coordinator, responsible for deciding which…

Sports

plebe

A derogatory term used here to mockingly describe someone who lacks specialized knowledge…

Technology

plenary

A session of a conference or meeting that is attended by all participants, rather than…

Science

plenum

A formal meeting of a legislative body in which all members are required to be present.

Culture

plight

A dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation characterized by hardship and…

Psychology

plogger

A person who picks up litter while jogging or walking as a form of exercise and…

Culture

plumbing

The underlying technical systems, organizational relationships, and hidden logistical…

Science

pluralism

A condition in society where diverse groups—across different cultural, ethnic, or…

Politics

poaching

The illegal hunting, capturing, or killing of protected wild animals.

Climate

pollination

The natural process by which pollen is transferred from the male part of a plant to the…

Science

pollinator

An animal, such as a bee or butterfly, that moves pollen from one flower to another,…

Science

polluter

An entity, such as a corporation, whose industrial activities contribute significantly to…

Science

polycarbonates

A group of strong, transparent, and durable thermoplastic polymers created using captured…

Climate

polymers

Large, durable chemical substances made up of repeating molecular units, often used in…

Climate

polyols

Chemical compounds derived from carbon dioxide that serve as key building blocks for…

Climate

polyphenol

A type of micronutrient found in plants, such as olives, that acts as an antioxidant and…

Culture

polytheism

The belief in or worship of more than one god.

Culture

polyurethane

A versatile synthetic plastic polymer, often produced as a foam, coating, or insulation…

Climate

populism

A political approach or style of communication that characterizes complex societal…

Politics

posthumanism

A philosophical perspective that views human limitations—such as suffering, aging, and…

Technology

posturing

Behavior that is intended to impress or influence others, rather than reflecting genuine…

World

potency

The capacity or power to produce a strong, effective, or influential result.

Sports

powerbroker

A person who exerts significant influence over political decisions and outcomes, often by…

Politics

powwow

A large social gathering or festival, often featuring traditional cultural performances,…

Culture

practicum

A practical training course or period of supervised work that allows students to apply…

Psychology

pragmatist

A person who is guided more by practical considerations and the reality of the current…

Politics

praline

A popular New Orleans confection made by boiling sugar, cream, butter, and pecans until…

Culture

preeclampsia

A serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage…

Psychology

preeminence

The state of being superior to others or having dominant influence, authority, or status…

Politics

preponderance

A superiority in weight, power, importance, or, in this context, the vast majority amount…

Science

prerogative

An exclusive right, power, or privilege held by a person or body, specifically referring…

World

presenteeism

The act of showing up for work while physically or mentally unwell, resulting in…

Health

preservationist

A professional dedicated to the long-term maintenance, protection, and restoration of…

Culture

pretense

A false or arrogant claim that one possesses knowledge or understanding that one does not…

World

primacy

The state of being most important, principal, or given priority over all others.

Technology

primitive

A fundamental, base-level unit or building block of a system that can be combined with…

Technology