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English Words Starting With C

13,732 entries — pick a word to see its definition, pronunciation, and usage.

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Noun Verb Adjective Adverb Plural noun Combining form Verb (transitive)Verb (intransitive)Verb (ambitransitive)

catabaptist
nounExtremely rare
/ˌkætəˈbæptɪst/a person who opposes infant baptism or rebaptizes those already baptized.
catabasis
nounVery Low
/kəˈtæbəsɪs/A going down, a descent; especially a military retreat from an advanced position.
catabolism
nounC2
/kəˈtæb.əl.ɪ.zəm/The metabolic breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy.
catabolite
nounC2
/kəˈtæb.ə.laɪt/A substance produced during the breakdown of complex molecules in living organisms.
catabolize
verb-intransitiveverb-transitiveC1/C2
/kəˈtæb.ə.laɪz/To break down complex molecules in living organisms to release energy.
catacaustic
adjectivenounExtremely Rare / Technical
/ˌkætəˈkɔːstɪk/A curve formed by the reflection of light rays from a curved surface.
catachresis
nounC2
/ˌkatəˈkriːsɪs/The incorrect use of a word, especially by confusing it with a similar-sounding word; a strained or paradoxical metaphor.
cataclasis
nounVery Low
/ˌkæt.əˈkleɪ.sɪs/The process of breaking or fracturing rocks through intense mechanical deformation.
cataclysm
nounC1
/ˈkætəklɪz(ə)m/A sudden and violent event that causes great destruction or change.
catacomb
nounC1/C2 (low frequency, specialized vocabulary)
/ˈkætəkuːm/An underground cemetery consisting of subterranean galleries with recesses for tombs.
catafalque
nounC2
/ˈkæt.ə.fælk/A raised platform, framework, or ornamental structure on which the body of a deceased person lies in state during a funeral, or upon which the coffin is placed.
catagenesis
nounVery Low
/ˌkætəˈdʒɛnɪsɪs/A geological process of metamorphism or alteration of rock under moderate temperature and pressure conditions.
catalan
adjectivenounC1/C2
/ˈkæt.ə.læn/Relating to Catalonia, its people, or the Romance language spoken there.
catalase
nounC1/C2
/ˈkætəleɪz/An enzyme that decomposes hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
catalectic
adjectivenounC2
/ˌkætəˈlɛktɪk/Missing the final syllable(s) of a line of verse.
catalepsy
nounC2
/ˈkæt.ə.lep.si/A medical condition characterized by a trance-like state with loss of voluntary motion and consciousness, and rigidity of the body.
catalexis
nounC2
/ˌkatəˈlɛksɪs/The absence of a syllable at the end of a line of verse that would be expected to complete the regular metrical pattern.
catalina island
nounC1
/ˌkæt.əˈliː.nə ˈaɪ.lənd/A specific island off the coast of Southern California, USA.
catalo
nounRare / Specialized
/ˈkætələʊ/A hybrid animal resulting from crossing domesticated cattle with American bison.
catalog
adjectivenounverb-intransitive+1C1
/ˈkæt.ə.lɒɡ/A systematic list of items, such as books, products, or courses, with descriptive details.

Showing 2521–2540 of 13732 words.