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THE WORD INDEX · A–Z

Every word came from somewhere.

An alphabetical index of public word meanings, origin clues and related stories.

A

algorithmnoun · a set of clear steps for solving a problemWho is hiding inside the word algorithm?avatarnoun · an incarnation; a digital figure representing a userHow did your small digital character acquire an ancient name?

B

boycottverb / noun · refuse cooperation as a form of protestWhat happens when work and trade are both withheld?

C

candidatenoun · a person seeking or being considered for a positionWhy put on white before asking for votes?carnivalnoun · a festival, fair or lively celebrationWhy is meat hiding inside a celebration?cluenoun · a piece of information that helps solve a problemWhy does a hero need a ball of thread?

D

denimnoun · a durable, usually cotton twilled fabricWhat is a French place-name doing in your jeans?dieselnoun · a diesel engine, its fuel or a vehicle using itWhy does a familiar fuel carry an engineer’s surname?disasternoun · a catastrophe; a serious misfortune or complete failureWhy look up when something goes wrong?dollarnoun · a unit of money in the US, Canada and other placesWhy is the name dollar older than the United States?duncenoun · a slow-witted person; an insulting labelHow did a brilliant thinker’s name become an insult?

E

echonoun / verb · a returning sound; repeat or express agreementWhat if every sentence had to begin with someone else?

L

leotardnoun · a close-fitting one-piece performance garmentWhy does a fitted performance garment carry a man’s surname?

M

musclenoun · body tissue that contracts; strength or powerWhat tiny animal could a bent arm suggest?

O

orangenoun / adjective · the fruit; its colour; orange-colouredWas orange first a fruit or a colour?ostracizeverb · exclude someone from a group or its societyWhat power could remain in a broken piece of pottery?

P

panicnoun / verb · sudden overwhelming fear; become frightenedWhy run before you can see what made the sound?

Q

quarantinenoun / verb · protective separation; to hold apartLand is close. Why must the ship still wait?

R

robotnoun · a robot; a machine that carries out actions automaticallyWhy were the first robots not metal machines?

S

sandwichnoun · a filled bread; verb · place between two thingsWhy does your lunch carry an earl’s title?serendipitynoun · fortunate discovery of something not soughtCan an empty road lead to an unexpected discovery?shampoonoun / verb · a cleansing preparation; to wash with itWhy does a bottle of shampoo lead back to kneading hands?silhouettenoun · a dark portrait or outline on a lighter groundWhat links a paper profile and a finance minister?