Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Answers to yesterday's Bee

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The official answers for today's puzzle are:

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Number of Pangrams: 2

Maximum Puzzle Score: 291

Number of Answers: 57

Points Needed for Genius: 204

Genius requires between 27 and 48 words. You need at least a 7-letter word to reach genius. If you don't get the pangrams, you need 78% of the total points to reach genius. If you get the pangrams, you only need 67% of the remaining points to reach genius.

The button below will reveal a chart with the number of words by each letter. Red bars indicate that there is a pangram(s) starting with that letter.


How does this puzzle compare to other puzzles?

Today's score of 291 was in the 93rd percentile of all puzzles.
The last time there was a score this high was on December 7, 2024.
The highest score ever was 537 on January 22, 2021.
The lowest score ever was 47 on March 27, 2023.

This puzzle's 57 possible answers rank it in the 88th percentile of all puzzles.
The last time there were more answers than this was on December 22, 2024.
The highest number of answers was 81 on June 8, 2019.
The lowest number of answers was 16 on March 27, 2023.

It takes a 7-letter word for genius.
The last time this happened was on December 22, 2024.

Today's puzzle has an average word length of 5.8.
For all Bees, the average word length has been 5.3.



Haven't I seen these letters before?

Hover over a letter to see its first and most recent appearance in the Bee!



Haven't I seen these words before?

The most common words in the Bee are:

  • noon 190
  • loll 180
  • toot 175
  • naan 165
  • nana 165
  • lilt 130
  • till 130
  • tilt 130
  • tint 127
  • mama 121
  • mamma 121
  • nene 120
  • acacia 115
  • acai 115
  • onto 114
  • toon 114
  • anal 110
  • onion 110
  • anon 107
  • boob 107
  • booboo 107
  • olio 103
  • baba 102
  • papa 102
  • lull 101
  • lulu 101
  • poop 101
  • tact 101
  • dodo 100
  • mitt 100
  • allay 98
  • ally 98
  • call 98
  • calla 98
  • ratatat 98
  • tart 98
  • tartar 98
  • attar 97
  • tutu 97
  • cocci 96
  • tattoo 96
  • tatty 96
  • mono 95
  • moon 95
  • ammo 94
  • epee 94
  • momma 94
  • peep 94
  • loon 91
  • roar 91


How long are words in the Bee?

There have been 94,920 answers ever accepted in the Bee - with 10,373 unique words.
Below are the distributions of the lengths of these words.



Valid dictionary words not in today's official answers

You may be wondering why these words aren't here*:

  • affinal
  • affine
  • alef
  • alfa
  • alif
  • effigial
  • effing
  • faena
  • faff
  • faffing
  • fagging
  • fagin
  • faille
  • fain
  • fallal
  • fane
  • fanega
  • fanga
  • feal
  • feeing
  • felafel
  • fenagle
  • fenagling
  • fening
  • fenning
  • figging
  • fila
  • fille
  • finnan
  • finning
  • flagellin
  • flanneling
  • flannelling
  • gaffing
  • ganef
  • gliff
  • infall
  • infalling
  • leafage
  • lief
  • naff
  • naffing
  • neif
  • niff
  • niffing

*Because the New York Times considers them obscure or offensive.

alfalfa

noun
  1. A plant, principally of Medicago sativa, grown as a pasture crop.
  2. A type or breed of this plant.

elfin

Etymology 1

noun
  1. An elf; an inhabitant of fairy-land.
  2. A little urchin or child.
  3. Any of the butterflies in the subgenus Incisalia of the North American lycaenid genus Callophrys.

Etymology 2

adjective
  1. Relating to or resembling an elf or elves, especially in its tiny size or features.

fail

Etymology 1

noun
  1. Poor quality; substandard workmanship.
  2. A failure (condition of being unsuccessful)
  3. A failure (something incapable of success)
  4. A failure, especially of a financial transaction (a termination of an action).
  5. A failing grade in an academic examination.
verb
  1. To be unsuccessful.
  2. Not to achieve a particular stated goal. (Usage note: The direct object of this word is usually an infinitive.)
  3. To neglect.
  4. Of a machine, etc.: to cease to operate correctly.
  5. To be wanting to, to be insufficient for, to disappoint, to desert.
  6. To receive one or more non-passing grades in academic pursuits.
  7. To give a student a non-passing grade in an academic endeavour.
  8. To miss attaining; to lose.
  9. To be wanting; to fall short; to be or become deficient in any measure or degree up to total absence.
  10. To be affected with want; to come short; to lack; to be deficient or unprovided; used with of.
  11. To fall away; to become diminished; to decline; to decay; to sink.
  12. To deteriorate in respect to vigour, activity, resources, etc.; to become weaker.
  13. To perish; to die; used of a person.
  14. To err in judgment; to be mistaken.
  15. To become unable to meet one's engagements; especially, to be unable to pay one's debts or discharge one's business obligation; to become bankrupt or insolvent.
adjective
  1. That is a failure.

Etymology 2

noun
  1. A piece of turf cut from grassland.

failing

verb
  1. To be unsuccessful.
  2. Not to achieve a particular stated goal. (Usage note: The direct object of this word is usually an infinitive.)
  3. To neglect.
  4. Of a machine, etc.: to cease to operate correctly.
  5. To be wanting to, to be insufficient for, to disappoint, to desert.
  6. To receive one or more non-passing grades in academic pursuits.
  7. To give a student a non-passing grade in an academic endeavour.
  8. To miss attaining; to lose.
  9. To be wanting; to fall short; to be or become deficient in any measure or degree up to total absence.
  10. To be affected with want; to come short; to lack; to be deficient or unprovided; used with of.
  11. To fall away; to become diminished; to decline; to decay; to sink.
  12. To deteriorate in respect to vigour, activity, resources, etc.; to become weaker.
  13. To perish; to die; used of a person.
  14. To err in judgment; to be mistaken.
  15. To become unable to meet one's engagements; especially, to be unable to pay one's debts or discharge one's business obligation; to become bankrupt or insolvent.
noun
  1. Weakness; defect
preposition
  1. If the preferred or prior option is not possible

falafel

noun
  1. A Middle Eastern food in the form of balls made from chickpeas and other ingredients. Often served in a pita.
  2. A pita with falafel balls inside (like a sandwich or a wrap).
  3. A single falafel ball.

fall

Etymology 1

noun
  1. The act of moving to a lower position under the effect of gravity.
  2. A reduction in quantity, pitch, etc.
  3. The time of the year when the leaves typically fall from the trees; autumn; the season of the year between the autumnal equinox and the winter solstice.
  4. A loss of greatness or status.
  5. That which falls or cascades.
  6. A crucial event or circumstance.
  7. A hairpiece for women consisting of long strands of hair on a woven backing, intended primarily to cover hair loss.
  8. Blame or punishment for a failure or misdeed.
  9. The part of the rope of a tackle to which the power is applied in hoisting (usu. plural).
  10. An old Scots unit of measure equal to six ells.
  11. A short, flexible piece of leather forming part of a bullwhip, placed between the thong and the cracker.
  12. The lid, on a piano, that covers the keyboard
verb
  1. (heading) To be moved downwards.
  2. To move downwards.
  3. To happen, to change negatively.
  4. To be allotted to; to arrive through chance, fate, or inheritance.
  5. To diminish; to lessen or lower.
  6. To bring forth.
  7. To issue forth into life; to be brought forth; said of the young of certain animals.
  8. To descend in character or reputation; to become degraded; to sink into vice, error, or sin.
  9. To become ensnared or entrapped; to be worse off than before.
  10. To assume a look of shame or disappointment; to become or appear dejected; said of the face.
  11. To happen; to come to pass; to chance or light (upon).
  12. To begin with haste, ardour, or vehemence; to rush or hurry.
  13. To be dropped or uttered carelessly.
  14. (of a fabric) To hang down (under the influence of gravity).

Etymology 2

noun
  1. The chasing of a hunted whale.

fallen

verb
  1. (heading) To be moved downwards.
  2. To move downwards.
  3. To happen, to change negatively.
  4. To be allotted to; to arrive through chance, fate, or inheritance.
  5. To diminish; to lessen or lower.
  6. To bring forth.
  7. To issue forth into life; to be brought forth; said of the young of certain animals.
  8. To descend in character or reputation; to become degraded; to sink into vice, error, or sin.
  9. To become ensnared or entrapped; to be worse off than before.
  10. To assume a look of shame or disappointment; to become or appear dejected; said of the face.
  11. To happen; to come to pass; to chance or light (upon).
  12. To begin with haste, ardour, or vehemence; to rush or hurry.
  13. To be dropped or uttered carelessly.
  14. (of a fabric) To hang down (under the influence of gravity).
noun
  1. The dead.
  2. Casualties of battle or war.
  3. One who has fallen, as from grace.
adjective
  1. Having dropped by the force of gravity.
  2. Killed in battle.
  3. Having lost one's chastity.
  4. Having collapsed.
  5. Having lost prestige, (Christian) grace, etc.

falling

verb
  1. (heading) To be moved downwards.
  2. To move downwards.
  3. To happen, to change negatively.
  4. To be allotted to; to arrive through chance, fate, or inheritance.
  5. To diminish; to lessen or lower.
  6. To bring forth.
  7. To issue forth into life; to be brought forth; said of the young of certain animals.
  8. To descend in character or reputation; to become degraded; to sink into vice, error, or sin.
  9. To become ensnared or entrapped; to be worse off than before.
  10. To assume a look of shame or disappointment; to become or appear dejected; said of the face.
  11. To happen; to come to pass; to chance or light (upon).
  12. To begin with haste, ardour, or vehemence; to rush or hurry.
  13. To be dropped or uttered carelessly.
  14. (of a fabric) To hang down (under the influence of gravity).
noun
  1. Present participle of fall
adjective
  1. That falls or fall.

fang

Etymology 1

noun
  1. A long, pointed canine tooth used for biting and tearing flesh
  2. (in snakes) a long pointed tooth for injecting venom
verb
  1. To strike or attack with the fangs.
  2. To enable to catch or tear; to furnish with fangs.

Etymology 2

verb
  1. To catch, capture; seize; grip; clutch; lay hold of.
  2. To take; receive with assent; accept.
  3. (as a guest) To receive with hospitality; welcome.
  4. (a thing given or imposed) To receive.
  5. To receive or adopt into spiritual relation, as in baptism; be godfather or godmother to.

Etymology 3

noun
  1. A grasping; capture; the act or power of seizing; hold.
  2. That which is seized or carried off; booty; spoils; stolen goods.
  3. Any projection, catch, shoot, or other thing by which hold is taken; a prehensile part or organ.
  4. A channel cut in the rock, or a pipe of wood, used for conveying air.
  5. (in the plural) Cage-shuts.
  6. The coil or bend of a rope; (by extension) a noose; a trap.
  7. The valve of a pump box.
verb
  1. To supply (a pump) with the water necessary for it to operate.

fanning

verb
  1. To blow air on (something) by means of a fan (hand-held, mechanical or electrical) or otherwise.
  2. To slap (a behind, especially).
  3. (usually to fan out) To move or spread in multiple directions from one point, in the shape of a hand-held fan.
  4. To dispel by waving a hand-held fan.
  5. To perform a maneuver that involves flicking the top rear of an old-style gun.
  6. (metaphoric) To invigorate, like flames when fanned.
  7. To winnow grain.
noun
  1. The act by which something is fanned.
  2. A very small fragment of tea leaf.

feel

Etymology 1

noun
  1. A quality of an object experienced by touch.
  2. A vague mental impression.
  3. An act of fondling.
  4. A vague understanding.
  5. An intuitive ability.
  6. Alternative form of feeling.
verb
  1. (heading) To use or experience the sense of touch.
  2. (heading) To sense or think emotionally or judgmentally.
  3. To be or become aware of.
  4. To experience the consequences of.
  5. To seem (through touch or otherwise).
  6. To understand.

Etymology 2

adjective
  1. Much; many.
adverb
  1. Greatly, much, very
pronoun
  1. Many (of).

feeling

verb
  1. (heading) To use or experience the sense of touch.
  2. (heading) To sense or think emotionally or judgmentally.
  3. To be or become aware of.
  4. To experience the consequences of.
  5. To seem (through touch or otherwise).
  6. To understand.
noun
  1. Sensation, particularly through the skin.
  2. Emotion; impression.
  3. (always in the plural) Emotional state or well-being.
  4. (always in the plural) Emotional attraction or desire.
  5. Intuition.
  6. An opinion, an attitude.
adjective
  1. Emotionally sensitive.
  2. Expressive of great sensibility; attended by, or evincing, sensibility.

feign

verb
  1. To make a false show or pretence of; to counterfeit or simulate.
  2. To imagine; to invent; to pretend.
  3. To make an action as if doing one thing, but actually doing another, for example to trick an opponent.
  4. To hide or conceal.

feigning

verb
  1. To make a false show or pretence of; to counterfeit or simulate.
  2. To imagine; to invent; to pretend.
  3. To make an action as if doing one thing, but actually doing another, for example to trick an opponent.
  4. To hide or conceal.
noun
  1. Act of one who feigns; fakery; deceit.

feline

Etymology 1

adjective
  1. Of or pertaining to cats.
  2. Catlike (resembling a cat)

Etymology 2

noun
  1. A cat; member of the cat family Felidae.

fell

Etymology 1

noun
  1. A cutting-down of timber.
  2. The stitching down of a fold of cloth; specifically, the portion of a kilt, from the waist to the seat, where the pleats are stitched down.
  3. The end of a web, formed by the last thread of the weft.
verb
  1. To make something fall; especially to chop down a tree.
  2. To strike down, kill, destroy.
  3. To stitch down a protruding flap of fabric, as a seam allowance, or pleat.

Etymology 2

noun
  1. An animal skin, hide, pelt.
  2. Human skin (now only as a metaphorical use of previous sense).

Etymology 3

noun
  1. (obsolete outside Britain) A rocky ridge or chain of mountains.
  2. (obsolete outside Britain) A wild field or upland moor.

Etymology 4

adjective
  1. Of a strong and cruel nature; eager and unsparing; grim; fierce; ruthless; savage.
  2. Strong and fiery; biting; keen; sharp; pungent
  3. Very large; huge.
  4. Eager; earnest; intent.
adverb
  1. Sharply; fiercely.

Etymology 5

noun
  1. Anger; gall; melancholy.

Etymology 6

noun
  1. The finer portions of ore, which go through the meshes when the ore is sorted by sifting.

Etymology 7

verb
  1. (heading) To be moved downwards.
  2. To move downwards.
  3. To happen, to change negatively.
  4. To be allotted to; to arrive through chance, fate, or inheritance.
  5. To diminish; to lessen or lower.
  6. To bring forth.
  7. To issue forth into life; to be brought forth; said of the young of certain animals.
  8. To descend in character or reputation; to become degraded; to sink into vice, error, or sin.
  9. To become ensnared or entrapped; to be worse off than before.
  10. To assume a look of shame or disappointment; to become or appear dejected; said of the face.
  11. To happen; to come to pass; to chance or light (upon).
  12. To begin with haste, ardour, or vehemence; to rush or hurry.
  13. To be dropped or uttered carelessly.
  14. (of a fabric) To hang down (under the influence of gravity).

fella

noun
  1. (chiefly South US) used to address a male
noun
  1. A colleague or partner.
  2. A companion; a comrade.
  3. A man without good breeding or worth; an ignoble or mean man.
  4. An equal in power, rank, character, etc.
  5. One of a pair, or of two things used together or suited to each other; a mate.
  6. A person with common characteristics, being of the same kind, or in the same group.
  7. A male person; a man.
  8. A person; an individual, male or female.
  9. A rank or title in the professional world, usually given as "Fellow".
  10. (Aboriginal English) Used as a general intensifier
noun
  1. A person who was a fellow attendee at one's school.

felling

verb
  1. To make something fall; especially to chop down a tree.
  2. To strike down, kill, destroy.
  3. To stitch down a protruding flap of fabric, as a seam allowance, or pleat.
noun
  1. The act by which something is felled.

fennel

noun
  1. A plant, Foeniculum vulgare, of the parsley family, which has a sweet, anise-like flavor.
  2. The bulb, leaves, or stalks of the plant, eaten as a vegetable.
  3. The seeds of the fennel plant used as a spice in cooking.

fief

noun
  1. An estate held by a person on condition of providing military service to a superior.
  2. Something over which one has rights or exercises control.
  3. An area of dominion, especially in a corporate or governmental bureaucracy.

fife

Etymology 1

noun
  1. A small shrill pipe, resembling the piccolo flute, used chiefly to accompany the drum in military music
verb
  1. To play this instrument.

Etymology 2

numeral
  1. Used instead of five in radio communications to avoid confusion.

fifing

verb
  1. To play this instrument.

file

Etymology 1

noun
  1. A collection of papers collated and archived together.
  2. A roll or list.
  3. Course of thought; thread of narration.
  4. An aggregation of data on a storage device, identified by a name.
verb
  1. To commit (official papers) to some office.
  2. To place in an archive in a logical place and order
  3. To store a file (aggregation of data) on a storage medium such as a disc or another computer.
  4. (with for) To submit a formal request to some office.
  5. To set in order; to arrange, or lay away.

Etymology 2

noun
  1. A column of people one behind another, whether "single file" or in a large group with many files side by side.
  2. A small detachment of soldiers.
  3. One of the eight vertical lines of squares on a chessboard (i.e., those identified by a letter). The analog horizontal lines are the ranks.
verb
  1. To move in a file.

Etymology 3

noun
  1. A hand tool consisting of a handle to which a block of coarse metal is attached, and used for removing sharp edges or for cutting, especially through metal.
  2. A cunning or resourceful person.
verb
  1. To smooth, grind, or cut with a file.

Etymology 4

verb
  1. To defile
  2. To corrupt

filial

adjective
  1. Pertaining to or befitting a son or daughter.
  2. Respectful of the duties and attitudes of a son or daughter toward their parents.
  3. Of a generation or generations descending from a specific previous one.

filing

verb
  1. To commit (official papers) to some office.
  2. To place in an archive in a logical place and order
  3. To store a file (aggregation of data) on a storage medium such as a disc or another computer.
  4. (with for) To submit a formal request to some office.
  5. To set in order; to arrange, or lay away.
verb
  1. To move in a file.
verb
  1. To smooth, grind, or cut with a file.
verb
  1. To defile
  2. To corrupt
noun
  1. Any particle that has been removed by a file or similar implement; a shaving.
  2. The act of storing documents in an archive; archiving.
  3. Something that has been officially filed; a document on file.

fill

Etymology 1

verb
  1. To occupy fully, to take up all of.
  2. To add contents to (a container, cavity or the like) so that it is full.
  3. To enter (something), making it full.
  4. To become full.
  5. To become pervaded with something.
  6. To satisfy or obey (an order, request or requirement).
  7. To install someone, or be installed, in (a position or office), eliminating a vacancy.
  8. To treat (a tooth) by adding a dental filling to it.
  9. To fill or supply fully with food; to feed; to satisfy.
  10. To trim (a yard) so that the wind blows on the after side of the sails.
  11. (of a male) To have sexual intercourse with (a female).

Etymology 2

noun
  1. (after a possessive) A sufficient or more than sufficient amount.
  2. An amount that fills a container.
  3. The filling of a container or area.
  4. Inexpensive material used to occupy empty spaces, especially in construction.
  5. Soil and/or human-created debris discovered within a cavity or cut in the layers and exposed by excavation; fill soil.
  6. An embankment, as in railroad construction, to fill a hollow or ravine; also, the place which is to be filled.
  7. A short passage, riff, or rhythmic sound that helps to keep the listener's attention during a break between the phrases of a melody.

Etymology 3

noun
  1. One of the thills or shafts of a carriage.

filling

verb
  1. To occupy fully, to take up all of.
  2. To add contents to (a container, cavity or the like) so that it is full.
  3. To enter (something), making it full.
  4. To become full.
  5. To become pervaded with something.
  6. To satisfy or obey (an order, request or requirement).
  7. To install someone, or be installed, in (a position or office), eliminating a vacancy.
  8. To treat (a tooth) by adding a dental filling to it.
  9. To fill or supply fully with food; to feed; to satisfy.
  10. To trim (a yard) so that the wind blows on the after side of the sails.
  11. (of a male) To have sexual intercourse with (a female).
noun
  1. Anything that is used to fill something.
  2. The contents of a pie, etc.
  3. Any material used to fill a cavity in a tooth or the result of using such material.
  4. The woof in woven fabrics.
  5. Prepared wort added to ale to cleanse it.
  6. A religious experience attributed to the Holy Ghost "filling" a believer.
adjective
  1. Of food, that satisfies the appetite by filling the stomach.

finagle

verb
  1. To obtain, arrange, or achieve by indirect, complicated and/or intensive efforts.
  2. To obtain, arrange, or achieve by deceitful methods, by trickery.
  3. To cheat or swindle; to use crafty, deceitful methods. (often with "out of" preceding the object)

finagling

verb
  1. To obtain, arrange, or achieve by indirect, complicated and/or intensive efforts.
  2. To obtain, arrange, or achieve by deceitful methods, by trickery.
  3. To cheat or swindle; to use crafty, deceitful methods. (often with "out of" preceding the object)
noun
  1. The act of cheating or swindling

final

noun
  1. A final examination; a test or examination given at the end of a term or class; the test that concludes a class.
  2. The last round, game or match in a contest, after which the winner is determined.
  3. A contest that narrows a field of contestants (finalists) to ranked positions, usually in numbered places (1st place/prize, 2nd place/prize, etc.) or a winner and numbered runners-up (1st runner-up, etc.).
  4. The final part of a syllable, the combination of medial and rime in phonetics and phonology.
  5. The tonic or keynote of a Gregorian mode, and hence the final note of any conventional melody played in that mode.
adjective
  1. Last; ultimate.
  2. Conclusive; decisive.
  3. Respecting an end or object to be gained; respecting the purpose or ultimate end in view.
  4. (grammar) Expressing purpose; as in the term final clause.
  5. Word-final, occurring at the end of a word.

finale

noun
  1. The grand end of something, especially a show or piece of music.
  2. The chronological conclusion of a series of narrative works.

fine

Etymology 1

noun
  1. Fine champagne; French brandy.
  2. (usually in the plural) Something that is fine; fine particles.
verb
  1. To make finer, purer, or cleaner; to purify or clarify.
  2. To become finer, purer, or cleaner.
  3. To make finer, or less coarse, as in bulk, texture, etc.
  4. To change by fine gradations.
  5. To clarify (wine and beer) by filtration.
  6. To become gradually fine; to diminish; to dwindle (with away, down, or off).
adjective
  1. Senses referring to subjective quality.
  2. Senses referring to objective quality.
  3. Behind the batsman and at a small angle to the line between the wickets.
  4. Subtle; thin; tenuous.
adverb
  1. Expression of (typically) reluctant agreement.
  2. Well, nicely, in a positive way.
  3. Finely; elegantly; delicately.
  4. In a manner so that the driven ball strikes the object ball so far to one side as to be barely deflected, the object ball being driven to one side.

Etymology 2

noun
  1. A fee levied as punishment for breaking the law.
verb
  1. To issue a fine as punishment to (someone).
  2. To pay a fine.

Etymology 3

noun
  1. The end of a musical composition.
  2. The location in a musical score that indicates the end of the piece, particularly when the piece ends somewhere in the middle of the score due to a section of the music being repeated.

Etymology 4

noun
  1. End; conclusion; termination; extinction.
  2. A final agreement concerning lands or rents between persons, as the lord and his vassal.
  3. A sum of money or price paid for obtaining a benefit, favor, or privilege, as for admission to a copyhold, or for obtaining or renewing a lease.
verb
  1. To finish; to cease.
  2. To cause to cease; to stop.

finial

noun
  1. The knot or bunch of foliage, or foliated ornament, that forms the upper extremity of a pinnacle in Gothic architecture.
  2. Any decorative fitting at the peak of a gable, or on the top of a flagpole, fence post or staircase newel post.

fining

verb
  1. To make finer, purer, or cleaner; to purify or clarify.
  2. To become finer, purer, or cleaner.
  3. To make finer, or less coarse, as in bulk, texture, etc.
  4. To change by fine gradations.
  5. To clarify (wine and beer) by filtration.
  6. To become gradually fine; to diminish; to dwindle (with away, down, or off).
verb
  1. To issue a fine as punishment to (someone).
  2. To pay a fine.
verb
  1. To finish; to cease.
  2. To cause to cease; to stop.

flag

Etymology 1

noun
  1. A piece of cloth, often decorated with an emblem, used as a visual signal or symbol.
  2. An exact representation of a flag (for example: a digital one used in websites).
  3. A flag flown by a ship to show the presence on board of the admiral; the admiral himself, or his flagship.
  4. (often used attributively) A signal flag.
  5. The use of a flag, especially to indicate the start of a race or other event.
  6. A variable or memory location that stores a true-or-false, yes-or-no value, typically either recording the fact that a certain event has occurred or requesting that a certain optional action take place.
  7. In a command line interface, a command parameter requesting optional behavior or otherwise modifying the action of the command being invoked.
  8. A mechanical indicator that pops up to draw the pilot's attention to a problem or malfunction.
  9. The game of capture the flag.
  10. A sequence of faces of a given polytope, one of each dimension up to that of the polytope (formally, though in practice not always explicitly, including the null face and the polytope itself), such that each face in the sequence is part of the next-higher dimension face.
  11. A sequence of subspaces of a vector space, beginning with the null space and ending with the vector space itself, such that each member of the sequence (until the last) is a proper subspace of the next.
verb
  1. To furnish or deck out with flags.
  2. To mark with a flag, especially to indicate the importance of something.
  3. (often with down) To signal to, especially to stop a passing vehicle etc.
  4. To convey (a message) by means of flag signals.
  5. (often with up) To note, mark or point out for attention.
  6. To signal (an event).
  7. To set a program variable to true.
  8. To decoy (game) by waving a flag, handkerchief, etc. to arouse the animal's curiosity.
  9. To penalize for an infraction.
  10. To defeat (an opponent) on time, especially in a blitz game.

Etymology 2

verb
  1. To weaken, become feeble.
  2. To hang loose without stiffness; to bend down, as flexible bodies; to be loose, yielding, limp.
  3. To let droop; to suffer to fall, or let fall, into feebleness.
  4. To enervate; to exhaust the vigour or elasticity of.

Etymology 3

noun
  1. Any of various plants with sword-shaped leaves, especially irises; specifically, Iris pseudacorus.

Etymology 4

noun
  1. A slice of turf; a sod.
  2. A slab of stone; a flagstone, a flat piece of stone used for paving.
  3. Any hard, evenly stratified sandstone, which splits into layers suitable for flagstones.
verb
  1. To pave with flagstones.

Etymology 5

noun
  1. A group of feathers on the lower part of the legs of certain hawks, owls, etc.
  2. A group of elongated wing feathers in certain hawks.
  3. The bushy tail of a dog such as a setter.
  4. A hook attached to the stem of a written note that assigns its rhythmic value

flagella

noun
  1. In protists, a long, whiplike membrane-enclosed organelle used for locomotion or feeding.
  2. In bacteria, a long, whiplike proteinaceous appendage, used for locomotion.
  3. A whip

flagging

verb
  1. To furnish or deck out with flags.
  2. To mark with a flag, especially to indicate the importance of something.
  3. (often with down) To signal to, especially to stop a passing vehicle etc.
  4. To convey (a message) by means of flag signals.
  5. (often with up) To note, mark or point out for attention.
  6. To signal (an event).
  7. To set a program variable to true.
  8. To decoy (game) by waving a flag, handkerchief, etc. to arouse the animal's curiosity.
  9. To penalize for an infraction.
  10. To defeat (an opponent) on time, especially in a blitz game.
verb
  1. To weaken, become feeble.
  2. To hang loose without stiffness; to bend down, as flexible bodies; to be loose, yielding, limp.
  3. To let droop; to suffer to fall, or let fall, into feebleness.
  4. To enervate; to exhaust the vigour or elasticity of.
verb
  1. To pave with flagstones.
noun
  1. A pavement or sidewalk of flagstones; flagstones, collectively.
  2. The process by which something flags or tires.

flail

noun
  1. A tool used for threshing, consisting of a long handle with a shorter stick attached with a short piece of chain, thong or similar material.
  2. A weapon which has the (usually spherical) striking part attached to the handle with a flexible joint such as a chain.
verb
  1. To beat using a flail or similar implement.
  2. To wave or swing vigorously
  3. To thresh.
  4. To move like a flail.

flailing

verb
  1. To beat using a flail or similar implement.
  2. To wave or swing vigorously
  3. To thresh.
  4. To move like a flail.
noun
  1. A flailing action or motion.

flan

Etymology 1

noun
  1. Baked tart with sweet or savoury filling in an open-topped pastry case. (Compare quiche.)
  2. (Belize) A dessert of congealed custard, often topped with caramel, especially popular in Spanish-speaking countries.
  3. A coin die. (Compare planchet.)

Etymology 2

noun
  1. A fan of the U.S. TV series Firefly.

flange

noun
  1. An external or internal rib or rim, used either to add strength or to hold something in place.
  2. The projecting edge of a rigid or semi-rigid component.
  3. An ability in a role-playing game which is not commonly available, overpowered or arbitrarily imposed by the referees.
  4. A vulva.
  5. The collective noun for a group of baboons.
  6. The electronic sound distortion produced by a flanger.
verb
  1. To be bent into a flange.
  2. To make a flange on; to furnish with a flange.
  3. (sound engineering) To mix two copies of together, one delayed by a very short, slowly varying time.

flanging

noun
  1. A flange.
  2. A time-based audio effect produced when two identical signals are mixed together, but with one signal time-delayed by a small and gradually changing amount, usually smaller than 20 milliseconds.

flannel

noun
  1. A soft cloth material woven from wool, possibly combined with cotton or synthetic fibers.
  2. A washcloth.
  3. A flannel shirt.
  4. Soothing, plausible untruth or half-truth; claptrap.
verb
  1. To rub with a flannel.
  2. To wrap in flannel.
  3. To flatter; to suck up to.
adjective
  1. Made of flannel.

flea

Etymology 1

noun
  1. A small, wingless, parasitic insect of the order Siphonaptera, renowned for its bloodsucking habits and jumping abilities.
  2. A thing of no significance.
verb
  1. To remove fleas from (an animal).

Etymology 2

verb
  1. To cause to fly; put to flight; drive off (by frightening).
  2. To frighten; scare; terrify.
  3. To be fear-stricken.

flee

verb
  1. To run away; to escape.
  2. To escape from.
  3. To disappear quickly; to vanish.

fleeing

verb
  1. To run away; to escape.
  2. To escape from.
  3. To disappear quickly; to vanish.
noun
  1. The act of one who flees.

fling

Etymology 1

noun
  1. An act of throwing, often violently.
  2. An act of moving the limbs or body with violent movements, especially in a dance.
  3. An act or period of unrestrained indulgence.
  4. A short casual sexual relationship.
  5. An attempt, a try (as in "give it a fling").
  6. A severe or contemptuous remark; an expression of sarcastic scorn; a gibe or taunt.
  7. A lively Scottish country dance.
  8. A trifling matter; an object of contempt.

Etymology 2

verb
  1. To move (oneself) abruptly or violently; to rush or dash.
  2. To throw with violence or quick movement; to hurl.
  3. To throw; to wince; to flounce.
  4. To utter abusive language; to sneer.

flinging

verb
  1. To move (oneself) abruptly or violently; to rush or dash.
  2. To throw with violence or quick movement; to hurl.
  3. To throw; to wince; to flounce.
  4. To utter abusive language; to sneer.
noun
  1. The act by which something is flung.

gaff

Etymology 1

noun
  1. A tool consisting of a large metal hook with a handle or pole, especially the one used to pull large fish aboard a boat.
  2. A minor error or faux pas, a gaffe.
  3. A trick or con.
  4. The upper spar used to control a gaff-rigged sail.
  5. A garment worn to hide the genitals.
verb
  1. To use a gaff, especially to land a fish.
  2. To cheat or hoax.
  3. To gamble.
  4. To affix or cover with gaffer tape.
noun
  1. A sturdy adhesive tape, made of plastic reinforced with cross-linked fibre, often used by lighting electricians.

Etymology 2

noun
  1. Rough or harsh treatment; criticism.
  2. An outcry; nonsense.

Etymology 3

noun
  1. (especially Manchester and Cockney) A place of residence.

gaffe

noun
  1. A foolish and embarrassing error, especially one made in public.

infill

Etymology 1

noun
  1. That which fills in a space, hole or gap.
  2. The redecoration of a fingernail or toenail after it has grown, to prevent an unsightly gap.
verb
  1. To fill in a space, hole or gap.
  2. To rededicate land in an urban environment to new construction.

Etymology 2

noun
  1. Infiltration, the act of going into a place.

infilling

Etymology 1

verb
  1. To fill in a space, hole or gap.
  2. To rededicate land in an urban environment to new construction.

Etymology 2

noun
  1. Infilled material

leaf

noun
  1. The usually green and flat organ that represents the most prominent feature of most vegetative plants.
  2. Anything resembling the leaf of a plant.
  3. A sheet of any substance beaten or rolled until very thin.
  4. A sheet of a book, magazine, etc (consisting of two pages, one on each face of the leaf).
  5. (in the plural) Tea leaves.
  6. A flat section used to extend the size of a table.
  7. A moveable panel, e.g. of a bridge or door, originally one that hinged but now also applied to other forms of movement.
  8. A foliage leaf or any of the many and often considerably different structures it can specialise into.
  9. In a tree, a node that has no descendants.
  10. The layer of fat supporting the kidneys of a pig, leaf fat.
  11. One of the teeth of a pinion, especially when small.
  12. Marijuana.
  13. (4chan) A Canadian person.
verb
  1. To produce leaves; put forth foliage.
  2. To divide (a vegetable) into separate leaves.

leafing

verb
  1. To produce leaves; put forth foliage.
  2. To divide (a vegetable) into separate leaves.
noun
  1. The act of one who leafs through something.

life

noun
  1. The state of organisms preceding their death, characterized by biological processes such as metabolism and reproduction and distinguishing them from inanimate objects; the state of being alive and living.
  2. The animating principle or force that keeps an inorganic thing or concept metaphorically alive (dynamic, relevant, etc) and makes it a "living document", "living constitution", etc.
  3. Lifeforms, generally or collectively.
  4. A living individual; the fact of a particular individual being alive. (Chiefly when indicating individuals were lost (died) or saved.)
  5. Existence.
  6. A period of time during which something has existence.
  7. Animation; spirit; vivacity.
  8. A biography.
  9. Nature, reality, and the forms that exist in it.
  10. An opportunity for existence.
  11. The life insurance industry.
  12. A life assured under a life assurance policy (equivalent to the policy itself for a single life contract).

lifeline

noun
  1. A line to which a drowning or falling victim may cling.
  2. (by extension) A source of salvation in a crisis.
  3. A means or route for transporting indispensable supplies.
  4. System or structure of vital importance to a community.
  5. On the deck of a boat, a line to which one can attach oneself to stay aboard on rough seas.
  6. A line from the diver to a tender at the surface control point.
  7. A particular crease in the palm.

naif

noun
  1. One who is naive.
adjective
  1. Naive.