English Words Starting With D

• descriptive metaphysics

  nounC2
  /dɪˈskrɪptɪv ˌmɛtəˈfɪzɪks/A branch of metaphysics that aims to describe the most general features of reality and our conceptual structure as they actually are, rather than prescribing how they should be.
• descriptive notation

  nounC1/C2
  /dɪˈskrɪptɪv nəʊˈteɪʃən/A system of naming chess squares and moves based on the starting and ending positions of pieces, rather than using a coordinate grid.
• descriptive statistics

  nounC2
  /dɪˌskrɪptɪv stəˈtɪstɪks/Numerical and graphical summaries used to describe the basic features and patterns within a dataset.
• descriptivism

  nounLow
  /dɪˈskrɪptɪvɪz(ə)m/The linguistic approach that analyzes and records how language is actually used by its speakers, rather than prescribing how it should be used.
• descriptivist

  adjectivenounC2
  /dɪˈskrɪp.tɪ.vɪst/A person who describes and analyzes how language is actually used by its speakers, rather than prescribing how it should be used.
• descriptor

  nounC1
  /dɪˈskrɪptə(r)/A word or phrase used to describe or identify something, especially in information systems, linguistics, or classification.
• descry

  verbverb-transitiveC2
  /dɪˈskraɪ/to catch sight of; to discern something at a distance or that is difficult to see.
• desdemona

  nounVery Low
  /ˌdɛzdɪˈməʊnə/A female given name, most famously from Shakespeare's tragedy 'Othello'.
• desecrate

  verbverb-transitiveC1
  /ˈdɛsɪkreɪt/To deliberately damage, violate, or show disrespect towards something sacred, holy, or highly respected.
• desecration

  nounC1
  /ˌdɛsɪˈkreɪʃ(ə)n/The act of damaging or showing disrespect for something sacred or highly valued, especially a religious place or object.
• deseed

  verbC2
  /ˌdiːˈsiːd/to remove the seeds from a fruit or vegetable.
• desegregate

  verbverb-intransitiveverb-transitiveC1
  /ˌdiːˈsɛɡ.rɪ.ɡeɪt/To end the policy of segregation, especially racial segregation, in schools, neighbourhoods, or other institutions.
• desegregation

  nounC1/C2
  /ˌdiːˌsɛɡ.rɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/The process of ending a system or policy that separates people of different races, especially in schools, housing, or public facilities.
• deselect

  verbverb-transitiveB2
  /ˌdiːsɪˈlɛkt/to remove a previous selection; to uncheck or unchoose.
• desensitization

  nounC1
  /ˌdiːˌsɛnsɪtaɪˈzeɪʃən/The process of making someone less sensitive or reactive to something, typically by repeated exposure.
• desensitize

  verbverb-transitiveC1
  /ˌdiːˈsɛnsɪtaɪz/to make someone or something less sensitive or less likely to react to something.
• deseret

  nounVery Low
  /ˌdɛzəˈrɛt/A term from Mormon history referring to a proposed state in the American West, and the name of a unique phonetic alphabet.
• deserpidine

  nounVery Rare / Technical
  /dɛˈsɜːpɪdiːn/An alkaloid drug derived from the Rauwolfia plant, used as an antihypertensive and tranquilizer.
• desert

  adjectivenounB1
  /ˈdɛzət/A dry, barren, often sandy area of land with little or no precipitation and sparse vegetation.
• desert boots

  plural-nounC1
  /ˈdezət buːts/A type of ankle-high boot, typically made of suede or leather, originally designed for comfort and practicality in desert conditions.

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