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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)

cross-string
verb-transitiveLow
/ˈkrɒs strɪŋ/A string or wire running diagonally across the frame of a racquet (like a tennis, badminton, or squash racquet) to connect with the main strings, forming the string bed.
cross-tolerance
nounC2
/ˌkrɒs ˈtɒlərəns/A phenomenon where tolerance to one substance reduces sensitivity to another, often related substance.
cross-train
verb-intransitiveverb-transitiveB2
/ˈkrɒs ˌtreɪn/To train in multiple sports, disciplines, or skills to improve overall performance or prevent injury/overuse.
cross-trainer
nounC1
/ˌkrɒs ˈtreɪnə/A piece of gym equipment designed to simulate a combination of movements like stair climbing, skiing, and running, providing a low-impact cardiovascular workout.
cross-utilize
verb-transitiveC1
/ˌkrɒs ˈjuː.tɪ.laɪz/To use a person, resource, or skill for multiple purposes or in multiple different areas, rather than just one.
cross-validation
nounC2
/ˌkrɒs ˌvæl.ɪˈdeɪ.ʃən/A statistical method where a dataset is partitioned to assess how the results of an analysis will generalize to an independent data set.
cross-vein
nounLow/Very Technical
/ˈkrɒs veɪn/A short vein connecting two longitudinal veins in an insect's wing.
cross-vine
nounLow
/ˈkrɒs vaɪn/A woody, climbing vine native to the southeastern United States, known for its trumpet-shaped flowers and ability to grow across trees and structures.
crossandra
nounC2
/krɒˈsændrə/A tropical flowering plant of the genus Crossandra, native to Africa and Asia, known for its brightly coloured, fan-shaped flowers.
crossband
nounVery Low
/ˈkrɒsband/To form, arrange, or mark with a band, stripe, or pattern that crosses or intersects.
crossbar
nounB2
/ˈkrɒs.bɑː/A horizontal bar fixed between two upright posts, most notably in football/soccer goal frames and bicycle frames.
crossbeam
nounC1-C2
/ˈkrɒs.biːm/A horizontal beam that runs between two other structural elements, typically at a right angle to them, to provide support and stability.
crossbill
nounLow
/ˈkrɒsbɪl/A type of finch with a distinctive beak whose tips cross over, specialized for extracting seeds from conifer cones.
crossbirth
nounObsolete/Low
/ˈkrɒsbəːθ/An obsolete term for a difficult childbirth, particularly where the baby's position is transverse or otherwise abnormal.
crossbolt lock
nounLow
/ˈkrɒsbəʊlt lɒk/A type of lock mechanism where a bolt slides horizontally across a door or window frame into a receiving plate, typically operated by a key or thumbturn.
crossbones
plural-nounB2
/ˈkrɒsbəʊnz/A representation of two crossed bones, usually depicted as human thigh bones.
crossbow
nounC1
/ˈkrɒs.bəʊ/A medieval weapon consisting of a bow fixed crosswise on a wooden stock, with a mechanism for drawing and releasing the string to shoot projectiles (bolts or quarrels).
crossbowman
nounC2
/ˈkrɒsˌbəʊmən/a soldier or person who fights using a crossbow as their weapon.
crossbred
adjectivenounLow
/ˈkrɒs.bred/(of an animal) produced by mating two animals of different breeds, varieties, or sometimes species.
crossbreed
nounverbverb-intransitive+1C1
/ˈkrɒsbriːd/To breed animals or plants of different varieties or breeds to produce offspring with desired characteristics from both parents.

Showing 12401–12420 of 13732 words.