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…

Culture

sanitization

The process of cleaning or disinfecting an area or object, specifically in this article…

Technology

sarcoma

A type of cancer that develops in the connective tissues of the body, such as bones,…

Health

scandium

A rare metallic chemical element often used as an oxide in the manufacturing of…

Business

schema

The formal structure, organization, or layout of a database, defining how data is stored,…

Science

schism

A formal split, division, or separation between groups within a larger organization or…

Culture

schistosomiasis

A neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworms, whose transmission patterns…

Science

schizophrenia

A chronic and severe mental health disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and…

Health

scribe

A software tool designed to automatically record, transcribe, and document conversations…

Technology

scruple

A moral or ethical consideration or principle that inhibits certain actions or behaviors.

Climate

scuffle

A brief, confused, or minor conflict or physical struggle.

Science

secession

A formal parliamentary or legislative session that occurs outside of the regular…

Technology

seclusion

A secure, isolated area within a psychiatric facility where a patient is placed, often…

Psychology

sectional

The first level of a multi-stage athletic tournament, where teams compete against others…

Sports

securitization

The process by which non-political issues, such as Indigenous rights or natural…

World

seismocardiography

A non-invasive medical diagnostic technique that measures the mechanical vibrations of…

Science

selector

In Jamaican sound system culture, a DJ or operator who chooses and plays the music, often…

Culture

selenium

A chemical element that serves as a vital trace mineral, essential for various metabolic…

Health

semaglutide

A pharmaceutical agent classified as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, commonly prescribed for…

Health

semiquincentennial

A 250th anniversary.

Culture

senescence

The biological process of aging, characterized by the gradual deterioration of cell…

Science

sensationalism

The practice of presenting information in a deliberately exaggerated or shocking way to…

Psychology

separatism

The advocacy or movement of a specific region or group to withdraw from an existing…

World

sequestration

The act of isolating or storing a substance, such as carbon dioxide, in a stable,…

Climate

serendipity

The occurrence of valuable or pleasant discoveries by chance, specifically when an…

Health

serotonin

A neurotransmitter that functions as a chemical messenger in the brain, which LSD…

Psychology

seva

The act of performing selfless service, particularly for the benefit of others in need.

Psychology

sextortion

A form of blackmail in which an individual is coerced into performing sexual acts or…

Health

shakedown

An act of extortion or a forced concession, often involving pressure or coercion to…

World

shard

A small, broken piece or fragment, specifically referring here to the divisive…

Politics

shearing

The act of removing the fleece or wool from an animal, such as a vicuña, typically…

Climate

sheen

A deceptive or superficial appearance of quality, respectability, or polish intended to…

Technology

shtick

A distinctive, repeated, or theatrical mannerism, routine, or persona adopted by a…

Culture

shuco

A popular Guatemalan street food consisting of a hot dog loaded with various ingredients…

Culture

sigimsae

The essential Korean traditional musical technique of 'shading' or decorating a note…

Culture

signatory

A person, organization, or country that has formally signed an official document, such as…

Technology

silicate

A type of mineral or rock compound containing silicon and oxygen, which can be crushed to…

Climate

Sinicisation

The systematic process of compelling religious or social groups to conform to Chinese…

World

sinigang

A traditional Filipino soup or stew characterized by its distinctively savory and sour…

Culture

siting

The process of selecting a specific geographical location for a building or facility.

Climate

sitrep

A concise report or summary of the current operational or security situation.

World

skirmish

A minor or superficial conflict, often trivial or lacking significant underlying…

Culture

skulduggery

Underhanded, dishonest, or unscrupulous behavior, often involving secrecy and deceit.

Science

skyrmion

A stable, swirling, particle-like topological structure formed within the properties of…

Science

slush

A pool of money or funds held in reserve, often used for illicit, corrupt, or improper…

Climate

smokejumper

A highly trained firefighter who travels by parachute to remote, otherwise inaccessible…

Science

snowpack

A mass of snow that accumulates over a period of time, specifically referring to the…

Science

sol

A solar day on Mars, which is approximately 39 minutes and 35 seconds longer than an…

Science

soleus

A large, flat muscle located in the calf, essential for maintaining posture and balance…

Science

solicitation

The act of formally requesting, inviting, or urging someone to purchase a product or…

Technology