Skip to main content
Search Section
Skip alphabetical navigation menu.

Browse Alphabetically

  • English Word Cynic Definition One of a sect or school of philosophers founded by Antisthenes, and of whom Diogenes was a disciple. The first Cynics were noted for austere lives and their scorn for social customs and current philosophical opinions. Hence the term Cynic symbolized, in the popular judgment, moroseness, and contempt for the views of others.
  • English Word Cynic Definition One who holds views resembling those of the Cynics; a snarler; a misanthrope; particularly, a person who believes that human conduct is directed, either consciously or unconsciously, wholly by self-interest or self-indulgence, and that appearances to the contrary are superficial and untrustworthy.
  • English Word Cynical Definition Having the qualities of a surly dog; snarling; captious; currish.
  • English Word Cynical Definition Pertaining to the Dog Star; as, the cynic, or Sothic, year; cynic cycle.
  • English Word Cynical Definition Belonging to the sect of philosophers called cynics; having the qualities of a cynic; pertaining to, or resembling, the doctrines of the cynics.
  • English Word Cynical Definition Given to sneering at rectitude and the conduct of life by moral principles; disbelieving in the reality of any human purposes which are not suggested or directed by self-interest or self-indulgence; as, a cynical man who scoffs at pretensions of integrity; characterized by such opinions; as, cynical views of human nature.
  • English Word Cynically Definition In a cynical manner.
  • English Word Cynicalness Definition The quality of being cynical.
  • English Word Cynicism Definition The doctrine of the Cynics; the quality of being cynical; the mental state, opinions, or conduct, of a cynic; morose and contemptuous views and opinions.
  • English Word Cynoidea Definition A division of Carnivora, including the dogs, wolves, and foxes.
  • English Word Cynorexia Definition A voracious appetite, like that of a starved dog.
  • English Word Cynosural Definition Of or pertaining to a cynosure.
  • English Word Cynosure Definition The constellation of the Lesser Bear, to which, as containing the polar star, the eyes of mariners and travelers were often directed.
  • English Word Cynosure Definition That which serves to direct.
  • English Word Cynosure Definition Anything to which attention is strongly turned; a center of attraction.
  • English Word Cyon Definition See Cion, and Scion.
  • English Word Cyperaceous Definition Of, pertaining to, or resembling, a large family of plants of which the sedge is the type.
  • English Word Cyperus Definition A large genus of plants belonging to the Sedge family, and including the species called galingale, several bulrushes, and the Egyptian papyrus.
  • English Word Cypher Definition See Cipher.
  • English Word Cyphonautes Definition The free-swimming, bivalve larva of certain Bryozoa.
  • English Word Cyphonism Definition A punishment sometimes used by the ancients, consisting in the besmearing of the criminal with honey, and exposing him to insects. It is still in use among some Oriental nations.
  • English Word Cypraea Definition A genus of mollusks, including the cowries. See Cowrie.
  • English Word Cypres Definition A rule for construing written instruments so as to conform as nearly to the intention of the parties as is consistent with law.
  • English Word Cypress Definition A coniferous tree of the genus Cupressus. The species are mostly evergreen, and have wood remarkable for its durability.
  • English Word Cypresses Definition of Cypress
  • English Word Cyprian Definition Belonging to Cyprus.
  • English Word Cyprian Definition Of, pertaining, or conducing to, lewdness.
  • English Word Cyprian Definition A native or inhabitant of Cyprus, especially of ancient Cyprus; a Cypriot.
  • English Word Cyprian Definition A lewd woman; a harlot.
  • English Word Cyprides Definition of Cypris