Words Starting With "S"
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Slyness
Slyness refers to the quality of being sly or cunning, typically in a way that is annoying, deceitful, or underhanded. It describes someone or something that is calculating, manipulative, and sometimes dishonest in their actions or intentions.
Slytherin
Slytherin is one of the four houses at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter book series by J.K. Rowling. It is named after Salazar Slytherin, one of the school's four founders.<br><br>The characteristics associated with Slytherin house are:<br><br> Ambition<br> Cunning<br> Resourcefulness<br> Cleverness<br> Loyalty (but not always to the greater good)<br><br>Slytherin students are often portrayed as being intelligent, manipulative, and sometimes ruthless in their pursuit of power and success. They are often rivalrous with the Gryffindor house, which values bravery and daring.
Sm
Slang abbreviation for "small" or an expression used to refer to something as cool or impressive, similar to "awesome".
Smack-dab
Directed exactly at; in the middle of; right on. This is alum and often used with adverbs such as right, slap bang, slap in the middle.
Smack
To hit or strike someone or something with a sudden and often forceful movement of the hand, typically with the palm downward.
Smacked
To have hit or strike someone or something with a sudden, hard blow. (often used to convey a sense of anger or surprise)<br><br>Example: "She smacked the wall in frustration."<br><br>Alternatively, to try to sell someone something aggressively or persistently.
Smacking
The word "smacking" can have a few related meanings:<br><br>1. The sound of a sharp, sudden impact or slapping noise, like when two objects hit each other.<br>Example: The smacking of the surf against the shore was calming.<br><br>2. A sound of kissing, especially a loud or exaggerated one.<br>Example: The mom gave her little baby a smacking kiss on the forehead.<br><br>3. To hit or tap someone/ something lightly but firmly, often in annoyance or to get their attention.<br>Example: He smacked his hand on the desk to get the kids to quiet down.<br><br>4. In a broader sense, smacking can also imply a sense of satisfaction or joy, similar to the sense of smacking one's lips after eating something delicious.<br>Example: I just ate the best pizza ever, and I was smacking my lips in happiness!<br><br>It's worth noting that in some UK English, "smacking" can also refer to the act of physically punishing a child by slapping their buttocks or hands, often as a disciplinary measure. This usage is generally considered old-fashioned and outdated.
Smacks
"Smacks" can be a verb or a noun. <br><br>As a verb, "smacks" means to hit or strike something with a loud, flat sound, often with the palm of the hand or something like a spoon. It can be used to denote a sudden and forcible action.<br><br>Example: She smacked him gently on the hand.<br><br>As a noun, "smacks" can refer to a soft or sloppy kiss, or a blow or hit, especially one that is rather soft.<br><br>Example: Children often give each other smacks as a form of greeting or affection. <br><br>Alternatively, "smacks" can also refer to something that smells strongly or pungently, often unpleasantly.<br><br>Example: The smacks of fried food wafted through the air. <br><br>In addition, "smacks" can be used as a verb to denote to make a harsh critical comment.<br><br>Example: The journal smacked her down for her questionable ideas. <br><br>"Smacks" is also used in some American English dialects as a regional variation of slang.
Small-minded
Having a narrow or limited perspective, often indicating a lack of understanding, tolerance, or appreciation for different viewpoints or ideas.
Small-pox
Smallpox is a major disease that causes a high fever, headache, and a characteristic set of skin lesions that can often lead to scarring. It is a highly contagious disease that spreads from person to person. Smallpox is caused by the variola virus, and there are two main forms of the disease: the cutaneous form (also called ordinary or ordinary smallpox) and the hemorrhagic form (also known as flat or flat smallpox), which is a more severe and often deadly form of the disease.
Small
Small refers to something that is not large in size or amount. It can also mean not important, insignificant, or unnoticeable.
Smaller
Smaller refers to being of a lesser size or quantity compared to something else. It indicates a reduction in dimensions, volume, or amount. For example, "This typewriter is smaller than the one my father used to have" or "I have a smaller car than my brother".
Smallest
Having a smaller amount, size, or degree than comparable things.<br><br>Example: It is the smallest country in Europe.
Smallholding
A smallholding is a small farm or homestead, typically small-scale and self-sufficient, where crops, animals, or both are raised for personal use or to sell on a local market. It is often a rural property that is worked by the owner or their family, and is characterized by a relatively small size, sometimes even small enough to be worked by hand.
Smallholdings
Smallholdings refer to small parcels of land, typically used for farming or ranching, often held by individual families or small-scale farmers. They are usually smaller in size compared to larger commercial farms and are often associated with a more personal and self-sufficient approach to agriculture.
Smallness
Smallness refers to the quality of being small in scale, size, or amount. It can also describe something that is inferior or of a lower standard.
Smallpox
Smallpox is a highly contagious and sometimes fatal infectious disease caused by the variola virus. It was one of the most devastating diseases in human history, causing an estimated 300-500 million deaths in the 20th century alone. Smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980 by the World Health Organization (WHO), thanks to a global vaccination campaign led by the WHO.<br><br>Symptoms of smallpox include fever, headache, fatigue, and flat, pus-filled sores or blisters on the skin that progress through several stages before scabbing over and falling off. Smallpox was typically spread through respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected person or contaminated skin lesions.
Smallsword
A smallsword is a type of small, single-handed European sword, developed in the 16th to 18th centuries, characterized by a slender blade with a single edge, typically around 20-30 inches (50-75 cm) in length. It was popular among cavalry and infantry, as its compact size allowed for agility and ease of use in tight spaces.
Smaltine
Smaltine is a type of natural thermoluminescent substance used as a pigment. It was often used in the production of glazes, ceramic, and glass. The term is derived from the Italian term for 'coarse grains' and originally referred to a blue pigment used in Italian ceramic production.
Smaltite
Smaltite is a silver arsenide mineral with the chemical formula AgAsS2. It is a rare and relatively soft mineral that typically forms in hydrothermal veins or alluvial deposits. Smaltite is often associated with other silver minerals, such as pyrargyrite and polybasite. It is named after the Swedish mineralogist Axel von Smålling.
Smaragd
The word "smaragd" is the Dutch word for "emerald". It is a type of precious gemstone, a green mineral that is highly valued for its vibrant color and beauty.
Smaragdine
Smaragdine is an adjective that originates from the name of the Greek goddess of the spring season, Chloris, with her nickname Smaragdine meaning "emerald green".
Smaragdite
Smaragdite is a rare arsenic-free zinc carbonate mineral with a chemical composition of 4ZnCO3(OH)·3H2O. It's a hydrated carbonate of zinc and its name is derived from the Greek word "smaragdos," meaning green, due to its greenish color.
Smarmiest
The word "smarmiest" is an adjective that describes someone or something that is excessively and insincerely flattering or ingratiating, often in a way that is considered annoying or unpleasant.<br><br>Example: "The smarmiest politician on the campaign trail tried to charm the audience with his fake smile and rehearsed speech."<br><br>It is the superlative form of the word "smarmy," which means having or showing a sweet and excessively flattering manner, often to an annoying degree.
Smarminess
Smarminess refers to a condescending or self-important behavior, often accompanied by an air of superiority, typically displayed by someone who is overly full of themselves and looks down on others. It can also imply a sly or cunning quality, often with a hint of arrogance.<br><br>Example: "The smarminess of the celebrity's publicist was off-putting, making everyone around feel inferior."<br><br>Synonyms: conceitedness, snootiness, superciliousness, haughtiness, condescension.
Smarmy
Smarmy refers to someone or something that is overly flattering or insincere in a way that is trying to manipulate or deceive others, often with the intention of gaining an advantage or favor. It can also describe a smooth talker or a person who talks in a way that is overly optimistic or self-important, without substance or sincerity.
Smart
Having or showing quick or clever thinking; able to learn and understand things quickly and easily. Possessing greater than average mental ability or intelligence.
Smartarse
a sarcastic or arrogant person, often in an endearing but also slightly annoying way. Someone who constantly gives the impression that they're cleverer or more witty than others.
Smartass
A person who speaks in a witty, sarcastic, or condescending way, often in an attempt to appear clever or superior. The term is used to describe someone who makes snide or annoyingly clever remarks, often at the expense of others.
Smarted
The word "smarted" is the past tense of the verb "smart", which can have different meanings depending on the context.<br><br>In one sense, "smart" can be a verb that means to feel embarrassed or ashamed. For example:<br><br> "He was smarted to see his sister in such a state."<br><br>In this sense, "smarted" means to feel a pangs or stinging impression or emotion of regret/guilt/disappointment for something.<br><br>In another sense, "smart" can be a verb that means to cut or wound painfully, leaving a lasting impression or sense of shame. For example:<br><br>"She was smarted by his cruel words."<br><br>Here, "smarted" means to be affected with a lasting sense of hurt or pain.
Smarten
To become or make someone more intelligent, knowledgeable, or perceptive. <br><br>Example: "He's trying to smarten up his students with more challenging assignments."
Smartening
"Smartening" is a verb that means to make someone or something cleverer or more intelligent. It can also mean to make something appear smarter or more impressive than it actually is through outward appearance or media presentation.<br><br>Example sentences:<br><br> The new policy will smarten up the entire department, making it more efficient and productive.<br> The billboard smartened up by putting a fake rendering of a beautiful model on it, attracting more customers.
Smarter
Having a higher intellect or intelligence than average; able to learn, understand, and apply information quickly and effectively.
Smartest
Having a very high level of intelligence, often used to describe someone with exceptional mental abilities or a high IQ.
Smarties
A sweet treat!<br><br>Smarties is a brand of tablet candy, similar to a smartie or a sweet disc. The sweets are small, colorful tablets with a sugar-coated exterior and a flavored center. They are very popular in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and other countries.<br><br>The term can also refer to people who are intelligent or clever.