Word library
Words starting with S
112 words from the news, each with a definition, etymology, and the story behind it.
saffron
A pungent, golden-yellow spice derived from the dried stigmas of the crocus flower, used…
Culturesanitization
The process of cleaning or disinfecting an area or object, specifically in this article…
Technologysarcoma
A type of cancer that develops in the connective tissues of the body, such as bones,…
Healthscandium
A rare metallic chemical element often used as an oxide in the manufacturing of…
Businessschema
The formal structure, organization, or layout of a database, defining how data is stored,…
Scienceschism
A formal split, division, or separation between groups within a larger organization or…
Cultureschistosomiasis
A neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworms, whose transmission patterns…
Scienceschizophrenia
A chronic and severe mental health disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and…
Healthscribe
A software tool designed to automatically record, transcribe, and document conversations…
Technologyscruple
A moral or ethical consideration or principle that inhibits certain actions or behaviors.
Climatescuffle
A brief, confused, or minor conflict or physical struggle.
Sciencesecession
A formal parliamentary or legislative session that occurs outside of the regular…
Technologyseclusion
A secure, isolated area within a psychiatric facility where a patient is placed, often…
Psychologysectional
The first level of a multi-stage athletic tournament, where teams compete against others…
Sportssecuritization
The process by which non-political issues, such as Indigenous rights or natural…
Worldseismocardiography
A non-invasive medical diagnostic technique that measures the mechanical vibrations of…
Scienceselector
In Jamaican sound system culture, a DJ or operator who chooses and plays the music, often…
Cultureselenium
A chemical element that serves as a vital trace mineral, essential for various metabolic…
Healthsemaglutide
A pharmaceutical agent classified as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, commonly prescribed for…
Healthsemiquincentennial
A 250th anniversary.
Culturesenescence
The biological process of aging, characterized by the gradual deterioration of cell…
Sciencesensationalism
The practice of presenting information in a deliberately exaggerated or shocking way to…
Psychologyseparatism
The advocacy or movement of a specific region or group to withdraw from an existing…
Worldsequestration
The act of isolating or storing a substance, such as carbon dioxide, in a stable,…
Climateserendipity
The occurrence of valuable or pleasant discoveries by chance, specifically when an…
Healthserotonin
A neurotransmitter that functions as a chemical messenger in the brain, which LSD…
Psychologyseva
The act of performing selfless service, particularly for the benefit of others in need.
Psychologysextortion
A form of blackmail in which an individual is coerced into performing sexual acts or…
Healthshakedown
An act of extortion or a forced concession, often involving pressure or coercion to…
Worldshard
A small, broken piece or fragment, specifically referring here to the divisive…
Politicsshearing
The act of removing the fleece or wool from an animal, such as a vicuña, typically…
Climatesheen
A deceptive or superficial appearance of quality, respectability, or polish intended to…
Technologyshtick
A distinctive, repeated, or theatrical mannerism, routine, or persona adopted by a…
Cultureshuco
A popular Guatemalan street food consisting of a hot dog loaded with various ingredients…
Culturesigimsae
The essential Korean traditional musical technique of 'shading' or decorating a note…
Culturesignatory
A person, organization, or country that has formally signed an official document, such as…
Technologysilicate
A type of mineral or rock compound containing silicon and oxygen, which can be crushed to…
ClimateSinicisation
The systematic process of compelling religious or social groups to conform to Chinese…
Worldsinigang
A traditional Filipino soup or stew characterized by its distinctively savory and sour…
Culturesiting
The process of selecting a specific geographical location for a building or facility.
Climatesitrep
A concise report or summary of the current operational or security situation.
Worldskirmish
A minor or superficial conflict, often trivial or lacking significant underlying…
Cultureskulduggery
Underhanded, dishonest, or unscrupulous behavior, often involving secrecy and deceit.
Scienceskyrmion
A stable, swirling, particle-like topological structure formed within the properties of…
Scienceslush
A pool of money or funds held in reserve, often used for illicit, corrupt, or improper…
Climatesmokejumper
A highly trained firefighter who travels by parachute to remote, otherwise inaccessible…
Sciencesnowpack
A mass of snow that accumulates over a period of time, specifically referring to the…
Sciencesol
A solar day on Mars, which is approximately 39 minutes and 35 seconds longer than an…
Sciencesoleus
A large, flat muscle located in the calf, essential for maintaining posture and balance…
Sciencesolicitation
The act of formally requesting, inviting, or urging someone to purchase a product or…
Technology