-a

Usage

• cornucopia

  A cornucopia is a large quantity and variety of something good and nourishing.

• diaspora

  A diaspora is a voluntary or forced movement of an ethnic people who permanently relocate in areas remote from their homeland.

• anathema

  If something is anathema to you, such as a cursed object or idea, you very strongly dislike it or even hate it.

• diorama

  A diorama is a scene, reproduced in three dimensions, that places objects and figures in front of a painted background.

• plethora

  A plethora of something is too much of it.

• lacuna

  A lacuna is an empty space or gap where something is missing; if there is a lacuna in a person's argument, for example, part of that argument is lacking.

• stigma

  Something that has a stigma is not socially acceptable; therefore, it has a strong feeling of shame or disgrace attached to it.

• panacea

  A panacea is something that people think will solve all problems and make everything better.

• coda

  A coda is the final part of a piece of writing, speech, or music that acts as a summary.

• desiderata

  Desiderata are a wish list of things that are considered highly desirable or necessary to have.

• patina

  A patina is a smooth, shiny film or surface that gradually develops on things—such as wood, leather, and metal utensils—that have seen a lot of use.

• charisma

  A person with a great deal of charisma is able to highly influence others because they are easily able to inspire loyalty and create enthusiasm through personal charm.

• strata

  Strata are Earth's layers of rock or regions of the atmosphere; they can also be the different social, cultural, and economic levels of a society.

• euphoria

  A state of euphoria is one of extreme happiness or overwhelming joy.

• criteria

  Criteria are standards that, if met, allow you to do something; for example, getting good grades and performing community service form standards that will help you get into college.

• scintilla

  A scintilla of something is a small bit or trace of it.

• data

  Data are pieces of information or facts that tell you about something. Note: the word "data" used as a singular noun is also considered correct.

• formula

  A formula is a method or plan used to solve a problem or help something succeed.

• genera

  See Genus.

• idea

  an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth

• phenomena

  any state or process known through the senses rather than by intuition or reasoning

• vertebra

  one of the bony segments of the spinal column

• larva

  the immature free-living form of most invertebrates and amphibians and fish which at hatching from the egg is fundamentally unlike its parent and must metamorphose