- masse n. A stroke in billiards made by striking the cue ball off center with
the cue held nearly vertically, so that the cue ball moves in a curve around
one ball before hitting another ball.
- massive adj. 4. Pathology Affecting a large area of bodily tissue; widespread
and severe: a mssive gangrene. 5. Mineralogy Lacking internal crystalline
structure; amorphous. 6. Geology Without internal structure or layers and
homogeneous in composition. Used of a rock.
- mass hysteria n. A condition in which a large group of people exhibit similar
physical or emotional symptoms, such as anxiety or extreme excitement. Also
called epidemic hysteria.
- massy adj. Having great mass or bulk; massive.
- mast2 n. The nuts of forest trees accumulated on the ground, used especially
as food for swine.
- master n. 14e. Master. Used as a courtesy title before the given or full name
of a boy not considered old enough to be addressed as Mister. tr.v. 5. To
produce a master audio recording for. 6. To season or age (dyed goods).
- masterstroke n. An achievement or action revealing consummate skill or
mastery: a masterstroke of diplomacy. See synonyms at feat1.
- mastic n. The mastic tree. 2. The aromatic resin of the mastic tree, used
especially in varnishes, lacquers, adhesives, and condiments and as an
astringent. 3. A pastelike cement used in highway construction, especially one
made with powdered lime or brick and tar. [An interesting story about the mastic
is told here]
- mastodon n. Any of several very large, extinct proboscidian mammals of the
genus Mammut, resembling the elephant but having molar teeth of a different
structure. --mastodonic adj. --mastodont adj.
- mastoid process n. A conical protuberance of the posterior portion of the
temporal bone that is situated behind the ear in humans and many other
vertebrates and serve as a site of muscle attachment. Also called mastoid
bone.
- masturbatory adj. 2. Excessively self-indulgent or self-involved: "[The
play's] star ... paces around his cell, smoking and snarling in a masturbatory
rant." (Sam Whiting).
- mat2 n. 1. A decorative border placed around a picture to serve as a frame or
provide contrast between the picture and the frame.
- matelote n. A fish stew that is cooked in a wine sauce. [French]
- materfamilias n. A woman who is the head of a household or the mother of a
family.
- materialize v. --tr. 1. To cause to become real or actual: By building the
house, we materialized a dream. 2. To cause to become materialistic:
"Inequality has the natural and necessary effect ... of materializing our
upper class, vulgarizing our middle class, and brutalizing our lower class"
(M. Arnold). --intr. 1. To assume material or effective form: Their support on
the eastern flank did not materialize. 2. To take physical form or shape. 3.
To appear, especially suddenly.
- matinee n. An entertainment, such as a dramatic performance or movie,
presented in the daytime, usually in the afternoon.
- matjes herring n. Herring that have not spawned, filleted and prepared with
salt, vinegar, sugar, and spices.
- matriculate tr. & intr.v. To admit or be admitted into a group, especially a
college or university. n. One who is admitted as a student to a college or
university.
- matrix n. 1. A situation or surrounding substance within which something else
originates, develops, or is contained: "Freedom of expression is the matrix,
the indispensable condition, of nearly every form of freedom." (B. N.
Cardozo). 2. The womb.
