  A´bies. Lat. A fir-tree. Specific name of a tree. Abyssi´nica. Lat. Abyssinian; belonging or relating to Abyssinia. Aca´cia. Gr. ake, a point, and akios, not subject to worms: a thorny tree. A genus of the family LeguminÓsÆ and order MimÓsÆ. About 300 species are enumerated; many of them yield gum. Aca´cia ara´bica. Arabian acacia. Aca´cias. Trees belonging to the genus acacia. A´cid. A term given by chemists to those compound bodies which unite with salifiable bases to form salts: for example, a compound of sulphur and oxygen, called sulphuric acid, unites with magnesia and forms a salt named sulphate of magnesia, or Epsom salts. Aci´dulous. Sourish; possessing acid properties. Acrocho´rdi. Lat.: plural of acrochordus. Acrocho´rdus. From the Greek akrochordon, a wart. A genus of non-venemous ophidians, whose bodies are entirely covered by scales resembling warts: these scales, or rather squamous tubercles, are small, numerous, rhomboidal, and surmounted by a small horn or point, more or less sharp. Adanso´nia. A genus of plants named in honor of Michel Adanson, a famous French botanist, born in 1727. Adanso´nia digita´ta. Sour gourd. Monkeys’ bread or Baobab tree of Senegal, which is considered the largest or rather the broadest tree in the world. “Several measured by Adanson, were from sixty-eight to seventy-eight feet in circumference, but not extraordinarily high. The trunks were from twelve to fifteen feet high, before they divided into many horizontal branches, which touched the ground at their extremities; these were from forty-five to fifty-five feet long, and were so large that each branch was equal to a monstrous tree; and where the water of a neighboring river had washed away the earth, so as to leave the roots of one of these trees bare and open to the sight, they measured 110 feet long, without including those parts of the roots which remained covered. It yields a fruit which resembles a gourd, and which serves for vessels of various uses; the bark furnishes a coarse thread, which they form into ropes, and into cloth with which the natives cover their middle from the girdle to the knees; the small leaves supply them with food in time of scarcity, while the large ones are used for covering their houses, or, by burning, for the manufacture of good soap. At Sierra Leone this tree does not grow larger than an orchard apple tree.” Loudon. A´dit. Lat. adeo, I approach. A horizontal shaft or passage in a mine, either for access, or for carrying off water. Africa´nus. Lat. African; belonging or relating to Africa. Agallo´chum. From the Gr. aggalomai, to become splendid. A resinous, aromatic wood, burned by the Chinese and Japanese for the sake of its agreeable odour, from the ExcÆca´ria aggallo´cha. Aloes wood. A´gate. A name given to all varieties of quartz which have not a vitreous aspect; are compact, semi-transparent, and whose fracture resembles that of wax. Agates are of various colors and admit of a fine polish. According to Theophrastes and Pliny, the name comes from the river Achates in Sicily, now the Drillo, on the banks of which the first agates were found. Agla´ia. From the Gr. Aglaia, beauty, elegance. A genus of plants, trees or shrubs, of which there are five or six species in the Island of Java. The odora´ta is one. A´gua. Spanish. Water. Aira. From the Gr. aira, a tare, cockle weed. A genus of the family of GramÍneÆ, or grasses, of the tribe of AvenÁceÆ. Hair-grass. A. antarctica. Antarctic hair-grass. Air-plants. A name given to certain parasitic plants which were supposed to be nourished by the air alone, without contact with the soil. There are some species which will live many months suspended by a string in a warm apartment. Alba, Lat. White. Albi´no. Spanish. From the Lat. albus, white. Applied to individuals of the human race, (and extended also to some other animals), who have white hair; the iris, pinkish or very pale; and the eyes unable to bear much light. Albinos are most frequent in the negro race; but it does not seem to be true that there are tribes of Albinos in any part of the world. Al´bumen. From the Lat. albus, white. A chemical term, applied to an immediate organic principle, which constitutes the chief part of the white of egg. Animal and vegetable albumen are nearly the same in composition. Al´caline. Having properties of an alkali. Alchemi´llas or Alchemi´lla. Arabic. A genus of plants of the family RosÁceÆ. The A. vulgaris, common ladies’ mantle. A´lga. Lat. Sea-weed. A´lgÆ. Plural of alga. Name of a sub-class of crytÓgamous plants, which is subdivided into three families: the Phy´ceÆ, or submerged sea-weeds; the Lichens, or emerged sea-weed, and the Byssa´ceÆ, or amphibious sea-weeds. The algÆ or sea-weeds are Ágamous plants which live in the air, on the surface or at the bottom of fresh or salt water; they are remarkable for their cellular or filamentous structure into which no vessels enter. Alha´gi. Arabic. Genus of plants of the family of LeguminÓsÆ. The alhagi maurorum grows in the deserts of Egypt; a sweet, gummy substance exudes from the bark in form of small yellowish grains, which, it appears, was the manna the Hebrews ate while in the deserts of Arabia Petria. Al´kali or AL´CALI. A chemical term formerly applied to potash and soda: it now embraces the oxides of potassium, sodium, lithium, barium, strontium and calcium, metals which decompose water at ordinary temperatures and absorb, that is, combine with its oxygen, giving out heat and flame. A´loe. Name of a genus of plants which includes very many species. The inspissated juice of several of these species constitutes the varieties of the medicine called Soccotrine, Barbadoes aloes, &c. Allu´vial. Of the nature of alluvium. Allu´vion, From the Lat. alluo, I wash upon. Gravel, sand, mud and other transported matter, washed down by rivers and floods upon lands not permanently submerged beneath water. A deposit formed of transported matter. Alpi´num, Lat. Alpine; belonging or relating to the Alps. Alu´minum or Alumi´nium. From alu´men, alum. The mettaloid which forms the basis of alum; of alumina or pure argil. Amary´llis. From the Gr. amarusso, to be resplendent. A nymph in ancient mythology. Name of a genus of plants, forming the type of the family of AmaryllÍdeÆ, composed of about sixty species. Generally they are bulbous plants, remarkable for the size and beauty of their flowers. Amblyrhi´nchus. From the Gr. amblus, obtuse, and rugchos, snout. Name of a genus of iguanian reptiles. A´methyst. From the Gr. amithustos, not drunk. The ancients gave this name to a stone in which the wine red colour was tempered with violet. A violet variety of hyaline quartz. Ammo´nia. A colourlous gas of a peculiar, pungent odour. It causes death when respired; and its strong alcaline reaction distinguishes it from all other elastic fluids. It is liberated from all its chemical combinations by the alkalis. Spirits of hartshorn is a solution of this gas. Ammoni´acal. Of the nature of ammonia. Am´monite. From the Lat. Ammon, a name of Jupiter. A fossil so called from a supposed resemblance to the horns engraven on the heads of Jupiter Ammon. In certain parts of England called snake-stones. Ammonites are fossil shells, rolled upon the same plane, consisting of a series of separate chambers, like the nautilus. Amor´phous. From the Gr. a, privative, and morphe, form. Without definite or regular shape. Ampe´lidÆ. Lat. (ampelis), name of a family of birds in the tribe of dentirÓstres. Ampeli´deÆ. From the Gr. ampelos, a vine. Name of the family of PhanerÓgamous plants, which includes the vine. Amphi´bious. From the Gr. amphibios, two-lived. Having the faculty of living in two elements. Amphiu´ma. From the Gr. amphi, both, on all sides, and uma, that which has been moistened. A genus of Batrachians in which lungs but no bronchiÆ exist through life. Amphiu´ma menop´oma. A kind of Batrachian which resembles the Salamander. It is found in Louisiana. A´mplitude. In astronomy denotes the angular distance of a celestial body, at the time it rises or sets, from the east or west points of the horizon. It is sometimes used to designate the horizontal distance a projectile reaches when thrown from a gun. Amy´ris. From the Gr. amuros, not perfumed. A genus of phanerÓgamous plants, which is the type of the family of Amyri´deÆ which is allied to the family of turpentines. Amy´ris gileade´nsis. The Balm of Gilead. Amy´ris kataf. The myrrh tree. Amy´ris opoba´lsamum. The opobalsam, or balsam of Mecca. Ana´nas. Portuguese. Pine-apple. Genus of the family BromeliÁceÆ, and type of the tribe AnanÁceÆ. Andro´meda. Mythological name of a constellation. Genus of the family EricÁceÆ, and type of the tribe AndromÉdeÆ or Andromedas. Angui´nus. Lat. Of the nature of a snake; belonging or relating to a snake. Ane´roid Baro´meter. Consists of a cylinder of copper with a very thin and corrugated end, partially exhausted of air and hermetically sealed. The effect of the varying pressure of the atmosphere on the thin end is magnified by a system of levers, so as to affect the index of a dial like that of a watch or clock. This is a French invention, but was patented in England, in the year 1844. See BarÓmeter. Anima´lcula. Lat. Animalcule. Anima´lculÆ. Lat. plural of AnimÁlcula. Anima´lcule. A diminutive animal. A term used to designate animals so small that they cannot be seen by the unassisted eye. Anisa´tum. Lat. Belonging or relating to aniseed. Specific name of the tree which produces star-aniseed. Ano´lis. A kind of Saurian, called anoli in the Antilles. Also called, long-toed lizard, or dactyloa. An´nual. From the Lat. annus, a year. Yearly. A plant which rises from the seed, reaches perfection, and perishes within a year, is termed an annual. Anta´rctica. Lat. Antarctic. Antelope monta´na. Mountain Antelope. A. rupicapra. Chamois. A. cervicapra. Common antelope. A. dorcas. Gazelle. A. gazella. Algazel. A. mhorr. Mhorr. A´nther. From the Gr. anthera, a flowery herb. In botany: the essential part of the stamen. The small yellowish body, compared to a diminutive leaf folded on itself, which crowns the stamen, and in which the pollen is formed. Antiquo´rum. Lat. Of the ancients. A´phis. Gr. A plant-louse; a vine-fretter. A´phides. Plural of aphis. Apocy´neÆ. From the Gr. apo, far from, and knon, dog. Having the virtue of driving away dogs, the plant which kills dogs. Botanical name of a family of plants of which the genus apo´cynum is the type. A´ptenody´tes. From the Gr. apten, without wings, and dutes, diver. A genus of birds. A´ptenody´tes patagonica. A species of Penguin. A´pteryx. From the Gr. apteros, without wings. Name of a genus of birds. Aqueous rocks. Are those formed by deposits from water. Aquila. Lat. An eagle. Aquila albicilla. The fishing eagle. Arauca´ria. From Arauco. Name of a department or district of Chile where the first species was seen. Name of a genus of the family of conifers. Arauca´ria excelsa. The Norfolk Island pine. Arbu´tus. Lat. A shrub. A genus of plants. Arctoce´phalus. From the Gr. arktos, a bear, kephale, head. Name of a genus of mammals. Arde´a. Lat. A Heron. Name of a genus of birds. Arde´a helias. The Sun Bird. A´rea of subsidence. A geological expression used to designate a space which has settled. Are´ca. Cabbage-tree. A genus of plants of the family of PalmÆ. Are´ca catechu. The medicinal or betel-nut palm. Arena´ceous. From the Lat. arena, sand. Sandy; of the nature of sand. Argen´teum. Lat. Silvery; relating to silver. Argilla´ceous. From the Lat. argilla, clay or argil. Of the nature of clay. Argonau´ta. Lat. From the Gr. argo, name of a vessel, and nautes, a navigator. Name of a genus of cephalopÓdous mollusks. Armadi´llo. Spanish. Diminutive of armado, armed. Name of a mammal of the family of edentÁta or edentates. Aroma´ticus. Lat. Aromatic; spicy. Ar´senic. A metal of a shining, steel gray colour. Heated in contact with atmospheric air, it rapidly absorbs oxygen, and forms arsenious acid, which is the poison commonly called arsenic, or rat’s bane. Arsenic is found in its metallic state, in the form oxide or arsenious acid, or white arsenic; and combined with sulphur, forming orpiment, and realgar. Arteme´siÆ. A tribe of plants, of which the genus ArtemÉsia is the type. Many of them are used in medicine. Arte´sian. From Artois, name of a province of France where especial attention has been given to a means of obtaining water, which consists in boring vertical perforations of small diameter in the exterior crust of the earth, frequently of great depth. These are termed Artesian wells. Articula´ta. Lat. From articulus, a joint or articulation. Having joints or articulations. Ascle´pias. A name of Esculapius. A genus of phanerÓgamous plants. Ascle´pias giga´ntea. Mudar of the Hindoos. The milky juice is very caustic; the bark of the root as well as the juice are used in medicine by the Asiatics. Asphalt. From the Gr. a, privative, and sphalto, I slip, or asphaltos, bitumen. Used anciently as a cement. A black brittle bitumen, found on the surface and banks of the Dead Sea, hence called the Asphaltic lake. Asphode´leÆ. Name of a family of phanerÓgamous plants. Assi´milate. From the Lat. ad, and similare, to render similar. Assimilation is the act by which living bodies appropriate and transform into their own substance, matters with which they may be placed in contact. In man, assimilation is a function of nutrition. Asple´niifo´lia. Compound of asplenium, a genus of ferns, and folia, leaves. Having leaves resembling those of the asplÉnium. A´ster. From the Gr. aster, a star. A name given to the plant by the Greeks in allusion to the radiate form of the flowers. Name of a genus of plants which forms the type of the asteroides or asters—literally, star-flowers. Astra´gali. Lat. plural of Astragalus. Astra´galus. Lat. Name of a genus of phanerÓgamous plants of the family of leguminÓsÆ. Atoll. A chaplet or ring of coral, enclosing a lagoon or portion of the ocean in its centre. Aucu´ba. A genus of plants of the family of Rhamnoides. There is but one species, which grows in Japan. Aucuba Japonica. Auche´nia. From the Gr. auchenios, belonging to the head or neck. Lat. name of a genus of mammals, the Llama. Also, a genus of coleÓpterous insects. Auri´cula. Lat. Little ear. A genus of phanerÓgamous plants of the family of PrimulÁceÆ. Auri´ferous. From the Lat. aurum, gold, and fero, I bear. Gold-bearing containing gold. Austra´le. Lat. Belonging or relating to the south. Aza´lÆa. From the Gr. azalea, burned. A genus of phanerÓgamous plants of the family of EricÁceÆ. Aze´darach. From the Arab. Azadaracht, a name given by Avicenna to a plant. Azote. From the Gr. a, privative and zo´on, life. The name given by chemists to a gas, now also called nitrogen, which will support neither respiration nor combustion. It constitutes seventy-nine per cent. of the atmosphere, and enters into the composition of all animal matter, except fatty substances, and into a certain number of proximate vegetable principles. Baccife´rum. Lat. Compound of bacca, a berry, and fero, I bear. Berry-bearing. Specific name of a plant. Balance of torsion, or TORSION BALANCE. A machine invented by Coulomb for measuring the intensities of electric or magnetic forces, by establishing an equilibrium between them and the force of torsion. BalÆ´na. Lat. A whale. Name of a genus of mammals, belonging to the order CetÁcea. BalÆ´na mystece´tus. The common whale. BalÆ´nu gibbosa. A kind of whale which has five or six protuberances on its back. Ban´ksia. A genus of phanerÓgamous plants of the family of ProteÁceÆ. Bao´bab. See Adansonia. Ba´rium. From the Gr. barus, heavy. A metal obtained from barytes by Sir H. Davy. Barometer. From the Gr. baros, weight, and metron, a measure. An instrument for measuring the weight of atmospheric air. Barometric. Belonging, or relating to the barometer. Barringto´nia. A genus of phanerÓgamous plants of the family of MyrtÁceÆ, and the type of the tribe of BarringtÓniÆ. Ba´salt. An Ethiopian word. A black or bluish gray rock, harder than glass, very tenacious, and consequently difficult to break: it is homogenous in appearance although essentially composed of pyroxene and feldspar, with a large proportion of oxide of iron or titanium. Basalt is considered by all geologists to be a product of igneous formation. Basa´ltic. Belonging or relating to basalt. Batra´hcian. From the Gr. batrachos, a frog. The name given by naturalists to those reptiles which resemble frogs in their organization. Batrahcians form the fourth order in the class of Reptiles. Beaufo´rtia. Name of a genus of the family of MyrtÁceÆ, named in honor of Mary, the Duchess of Beaufort, who encouraged the study of Botany. Belem´nites. From the Gr. belemnon, a dart. A genus of fossil dibranchiate cephalopods, the shells of which are chambered and perforated by a siphon, but internal. They are long, straight and conical; and commonly called “thunder stones.” Benjami´na. Lat. Benjamin. A genus of plants; also the specific name of a plant. Berni´cla. Generic name of a kind of goose, having a short beak. Berni´cla cyana´ptera. The goose of Shoa. Bete´l. The leaf of the betel or Siriboa pepper. Be´tula. Lat. Birch. Name of a genus of plants. Be´tula nana. Dwarf birch. BetulÖides. From betula, a birch-tree, the Gr. eidos, resemblance. Specific name of a plant. Bigno´nia. A genus of plants named in honor of the Abbey Bignon, the Librarian of Louis XIV. Bis´muth. From the Germ. Wismuth. A brittle, yellowish white metal. Bi´tumen. A combustible mineral, composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Bixa Orleana. A plant which produces a colouring matter, called annotto. Boa. Name of a genus of non-venemous reptiles. Bohea. Specific name of a tea-plant. Bombax. From bombux, one of the Greek names of cotton. A genus of plants of the family MalvÁceÆ. Bombax heptaphyllum. A kind of cotton-tree. Bombax ceiba. The cotton-wood tree, much valued for making canoes. Bonduc. A synonym of the Guilandina. Specific name of a plant. Bora´cic acid. An acid obtained from borax, consisting of boron and oxygen. Bora´ssus. From the Gr. borassos, a date. A genus of the family of Palms. Borassus flabelliformus. The fan-leaved palm. Bo´rate. The salt resulting from a combination of boracic acid and a salifiable base, as the borate of soda. Bo´rax. Tinkal. A natural compound of soda and boracic acid. Boron. A simple or undecomposable substance, the basis of boracic acid and borax. Bori´chthys. From the Fr. borgne, one-eyed or blind, and the Gr. ichthus, a fish. Borragi´niÆ. Name given by Jussieu to a group of plants. Borrer´ia. From Borrera, name of a man. A genus of phanerÓgamous plants of the family of RubiÁceÆ. Boswe´llia. A genus named in honor of Dr. John Boswell. Boswellia serrata. The olibanum tree. Botany. From the Gr. botane, plant. The branch of natural history which embraces the knowledge and study of plants. Botanic. Belonging or relating to botany. Bos. Lat. An ox. A genus of ruminating mammals, embracing several species. Bos aurus. The Urus. Bos caffer. Cape buffalo. Bos bubalus. Common buffalo. Bos Americanus. The Bison. Bos moschatus. The Musk ox. Bos gruniens. The Yak. Boulders, or Bowlders. Rounded masses of stone lying upon the surface or loosely imbedded in the soil. Boulder formation, or Erratic block formation. A geological term applied to a part of the diluvial drift. See Ruschenberger’s Natural History. Brac´teÆ. Lat. Bracts. Floral leaves, different in colour from other leaves. Bras´sica. Lat. Cabbage. Breccia. Italian. A rock composed of an agglutination of angular fragments. When the fragments are rolled pebbles, it constitutes a conglomerate rock, called pudding stone. Brevise´tum. Lat. Brevis, short, and setum, a bristle. A specific name. Bubo. Lat. An owl. A specific as well as generic name. Bubo maximus. A kind of owl. Bu´fo. Lat. A toad. Bufo Agua. A Brazilian toad. Bupha´ga. Lat. From the Gr. bous, an ox, and phago, I eat. A genus of birds, which includes the African beef-eater. Bursa. Lat. A sack, a purse or pouch. Bu´tea. A genus of the family of PapillionÁceÆ, named in honor of John, Count of Bute, a cultivator of botanic science. Butea frondosa yields a gum (butea) which has been confounded with Kino. Cac´ti. Lat. Plural of cactus. Cac´tus. From the Gr. kaktos, spiny plant. Name of a genus of the family of CactÁceÆ. Cactus coccine´llifer. The cochineal cactus. Cactus opuntia. Indian fig. Caca´lia. Name of a genus of phanerÓgamous plants of the family of CompÓsitÆ. Several species are useful as condiments. Cachalot, or Cachelot. Fr. Name of the spermaceti whale. Used to designate a variety of the order of cetÁceans, which has teeth in both jaws. Coccine´llifer. From coccinella (the diminutive of the Lat. coccinus, crimson,) a genus of coleopterous insects, and fero, I bear. A specific name. Cad´mium. A white metal, much like tin. Its ores are associated with those of zinc. Discovered in 1818. Ca´ducous. From the Lat. cado, I fall. In Botany when a part is temporary, and soon disappears or falls off, it is said to be caducous. CÆci´liÆ. From the Lat. cÆcus, blind. A tribe of Batrachians. CÆespito´sa. Lat. From cÆspes, turf or sod. Belonging or relating to turf. Cafeine. Fr. In chemistry the name of the proximate principle of coffee. Cajapute, A Malay name for a greenish, volatile oil used as a remedy in rheumatism, &c. Ca´lamus. A genus of phanerÓgamous plants of the family of Palms. Ca´lamus draco. An East Indian plant which yields an astringent substance called Dragon’s blood. Ca´lamus rotan The rattan plant. Calca´reous. From the Lat. calx, calcis, lime. Belonging to or relating to lime. Calcareous rocks are those of which lime forms a principal part. Calceola´ria. From the Lat. calceolus, a little shoe. A remarkable genus of phanerÓgamous plants of the family of ScrophulariÁceÆ. Cal´cium. From the Lat. calx, calcis, lime. A metal discovered by Sir H. Davy in 1807, which united with oxygen forms oxide of calcium or lime. Callitri´che. From the Gr. kallithrix, having luxuriant hair. A genus of aquatic plants. Also the name of a genus of American monkeys. Calo´ric. From the Lat. caleo, I am warm. The term used by chemists to designate the matter of heat. Calori´fic. Belonging or relating to caloric. Calyca´nthus. From the Gr. kalux, a calyx, and anthos, flower. A genus of the family of CalycanthÁceÆ. Calyp´tomene. From the Gr. kaluptos, concealed, and meno, I remain. Name of a genus of birds. Cam´brian system. From Cambria in Wales. A name given by geologists to the lowest sedimentary rocks, characterized by fossil remains of animals, lowest in the scale of organization, such as corallines, &c. It is also called the Schistose system, on account of its slaty nature. Campa´nula. From the Lat. campana, a bell, from the shape of its corolla. A genus of phanerÓgamous plants of the family of CampanulÁceÆ, of which it is the type. 182 species are described. CamphorÓsma. From the Lat. camphora, camphor, and the Gr. osme, odour. A genus of plants of the family of ChenopodÁceÆ. Campho´ra. Lat. Camphor. Belonging or relating to camphor. Canarie´nsis. Lat. Belonging or relating to the Canary islands. Candela´brum. Lat. A candlestick. Ca´nine. From the Lat. canis, a dog. Teeth which resemble those of a dog are so called; the canine teeth of the upper jaw in man are commonly called the eye-teeth. Caou´tchouc. Gum elastic; India-rubber, a substance obtained from the Jatropha elastica, the Ficus indica and the Urceola elastica. Cape´nsis. Lat. Belonging or relating to the Cape of Good Hope. Caraga´na. A genus of plants of the family of PapilionÁceÆ. Car´bon. From the Lat. carbo, charcoal. A chemical element or undecomposed body. The diamond is pure carbon. It is the basis of anthracite, and of all the varieties of mineral coal, and is one of the principal constituents of all organic bodies. Carbo´nic acid. A compound of carbon and oxygen. Car´bonate. Any compound of carbonic acid and a salifiable base, as carbonate of lime, carbonate of soda. Carboni´ferous. From the Lat. carbo, coal, fero, I bear, coal-bearing; containing carbon. In geology the term is applied to those strata which contain coal, and to the period when the coal measures were formed. Cardamine. Gr. Name of a plant. A genus of the family of crucÍferÆ. Lady’s smock. Cardamine hirsuta. Hairy Cardamine. Cardui. Lat. Genitive case of carduus, a thistle. Specific name of a butterfly. Carni´vora. From the Lat. caro, carnis, flesh, and voro, I eat. Name of a family of Mammals. Cartila´ginous fishes. A term used to designate that division of the class of fishes which includes only those having cartilaginous instead of bony skeletons. Caryo´phyllus. Lat. A garden pink. A genus of plants of the family of caryophy´lleÆ. Caryo´phyllus aroma´ticus. The clove-tree. Caryo´ta. A genus of Palms of equatorial Asia. The caryota urens derives its specific name from a burning sensation its fruit imparts when eaten. Ca´spia. Lat. Belonging or relating to the Caspian Sea. Cas´sia. From the Gr. kassia, cinnamon. A genus of plants of the family of PapilionÁceÆ. The genus contains more than 300 species. Ca´stanospe´rrnum. From the Gr. kastanon, chestnut, and sperma, fruit. A genus of the family of PapilionÁceÆ. Casuari´nÆ. A family of plants separated from that of the cÓnifers. The casuari´nÆ are found in New Holland, and in India, and are remarkable for the absence of leaves. Cata´lpa. A genus of plants of the family of the BignoniÁceÆ. Cat´echu. An astringent extract, used in medicine. Cat’s eye. A beautiful silicious mineral, penetrated by fibres of asbestos, which, when polished, reflects an effulgent, pearly light, much resembling the mutable reflections from the eye of a cat. Ca´via. Genus of mammals of the family of rodents, including the guinea-pig. Ce´bus. Lat. Name of a genus of monkeys; the marmoset. Cecro´pis. A genus of birds. Cedre´la. Genus of plants of the family of CedrelÁceÆ. Cei´ba. Synonym of Bombax, cotton. Specific name of a kind of cotton. Centa´urea. A genus of plants of the family of SynanthÉreÆ CyanÁreÆ and type of the tribe of CentaÚrieÆ. Cerati´tes. From the Gr. keratetes, horned. A generic name of certain insects. Cerato´des. From the Gr. keratodes, formed of horns. A genus of mollusks. Cer´eal. From the Lat. Ceres, corn. Applied to grasses which produce the bread corns; as wheat, rye, barley, oats, rice, &c. Cerea´lia. Lat. Name of a tribe of grasses. Cereo´psis. From the Gr. keros, wax, and opsis, aspect. A genus of birds of the order of palmÍpedes and family of lamellirÓstres. It is marked by a wax-like membrane on the beak. Cereopsis striata. A kind of goose. Ce´rium. Named after the planet Ceres. A white brittle metal discovered in 1803, by Hisinger and Berzelius. Cer´thia. Latin. Name of a genus of passerine birds, commonly called creepers. Cer´vus. Latin. A stag. A genus of mammals. Ceta´cea. From the Gr. ketos, a whale. A genus of pisciform mammals that have fins in place of feet, and inhabit the sea. Name of an order of aquatic mammals. Chalk. Earthy carbonate of lime. Chambered shells. A term used to designate those shells of mollusks which are divided internally into cells or chambers by partitions. Cham´Ærops. From the Gr. chamai, on the ground, and rops, a brush. Name of a genus of palms. ChamÆrops humilis. The dwarf fan palm. Cheiro´ptera. From the Gr. cheir, hand, and pteron, a wing; signifying the hand has become a wing. Name of a family of mammals, including the bats. Cheiros´temon. From the Gr. cheir, hand, and stemon, filament. A genus of plants of the family of SterculiÁceÆ, and tribe of bombÁceÆ. Chelo´nian. From the Gr. chelone, a tortoise. Applied to reptiles resembling tortoises. Chel´ydÆ. From the Gr. chelus, a tortoise. A tribe of reptiles of the family Emy´des. Chlam´yphore. From the Gr. chlamus, a cloak, and phero, I bear. A genus of mammals of the tribe of armadillos. Chlena´ceÆ. From the Gr. chlaina, a cloak. A tribe of plants, native in Madagascar. Chloa´nthes. From the Gr. chloros, greenish yellow, and anthos, flower. A genus of plants of the family of chloanthÁceÆ. Chlori´tic. From the Gr. chloros, green. Belonging or relating to chlorite, an earthy mineral found in the cavities of slate rocks. Chrome, Chro´mium. From the Gr. chroma, colour. A whitish brittle metal, discovered by Vauquelin in 1797. In union with oxygen it forms chromic acid. Ci´rri. Plural of cirrus. Ci´rro-cumulus. A sondercloud; a kind of cloud. The cirro-cumulus is intermediate between the cirrus and cumulus, and is composed of small well defined masses closely arranged. Ci´rro-stratus. A wanecloud. The cirro-stratus, intermediate between the cirrus and stratus, consists of horizontal masses separated into groups, with which the sky is sometimes so mottled as to suggest the idea of resemblance to the back of a mackerel. Ci´rrus. Lat. A tendril. A kind of cloud. Applied to certain appendages of animals; as the beard from the end and sides of the mouth of certain fishes. The cirrus cloud consists of fibres or curling streaks which diverge in all directions. It occupies the highest region, and is frequently the first cloud which is seen after a continuance of clear weather. Ci´stus. A genus of plants of the family of cistÁceÆ. Cla´rkia. Proper name. A genus of plants of the tribe of epilÓbiÆ. Clay-slate. A rock which resembles clay or shale, but is generally distinguished by its structure; the particles having been re-arranged, and exhibiting what is called slaty cleavage. It is one of the metamorphic rocks. Clayto´nia. A genus of plants of the family of PortulÁceÆ-calandrÍneÆ. Cleavage. The mechanical division, the laminÆ of rocks and minerals, to show the constant direction in which they may be separated. Clerode´ndron. From the Gr. kleros, accident, and dendron, tree. In allusion to its accidental effects in medicine. A genus of plants of the family of VerbenÁceÆ-LantÁneÆ. Coal measures. The geological formation in which coal is found. Co´balt. From the Germ. kobold, a devil, A brittle metal of a reddish gray colour. Its ores are always associated with arsenic. Cobra capello. Portu. cobra, snake, and capello, a cawl or hood. Hood snake, a venomous serpent. Coca. Quechua or aboriginal Peruvian word. Specific name of the genus ErythrÓxylum. Coccine´lla. From the Gr. kokkinos, scarlet. A genus of coleopt´erous insects: commonly called Lady birds. Coc´cus. From the Gr. kokkos, a seed which dyes scarlet. A genus of insects of the order HemÍp´tera. Coccus lacca. A species of cochineal insect. Coccus ilicus. Green oak cochineal. Co´cos. Gr. A genus of palms; the cocoanut. Cocos olera´cia. The oil cocoanut. Codi´um. From the Gr. kodion, a fleece. A genus of plants of the tribe siphÓneÆ. Codium bursa and Codium flabelliforme are species. Colo´bus. From the Gr. kolobos, mutilated. A genus of monkeys which belong to the old world. Colobus comosus. A hairy monkey. Colu´briform. From the Lat. coluber, a serpent, an adder, and forma, shape. Adder-shape. Colum´ba. Lat. A pigeon. A genus of birds. Columba migrato´ria. Wild pigeon. Colum´bium. A metal discovered in a mineral found in Massachusetts by Mr. Hachett, in 1801. Colu´mnar. In the form of columns. Comparative Anatomy. The comparative study of the various parts of the bodies of different animals. Compo´site. A family of monopetalous plants. Conductor. Those substances which possess the property of transferring caloric or heat, and electricity, are termed conductors of heat or caloric, and conductors of electricity. Confe´rvÆ. Tribe of plants of the family of ZÓospÉrmeÆ. It includes many sea-weeds. Con´gener. From the Lat. con, with, and genus, race. Species belonging to the same genus, are termed congeners. Conglo´merate. From the Lat. conglomero, I heap together. Any rock composed of pebbles cemented together by another mineral substance, either calcareous, silicious or argillaceous. Co´nifer. From the Lat. conus, a cone, and fero, I bear. A tree or plant which bears cones, such as pines, fir-trees, &c. Coni´ferÆ. A family of plants which includes the conifers. Co´ral. From the Gr. koreo, I ornament, and als, the sea. The hard calcareous support formed by certain polypi. Cora´lline. Belonging or relating to coral. Coralli´neÆ. The corallines, a tribe of calciferous polypi. Coreo´psis. From the Gr. koris, a bug, and opsis, aspect. A genus of plants. Cor´dia. A genus of plants of the family of CordiÁceÆ. It contains about 150 species. Coria´ceous. From the Lat. corium, the hide of a beast. Leathery. Coro´na. Lat. A crown. A genus of plants. Coro´nÆ. Plural of corona. Coru´ndum. A crystallized or massive mineral of extreme hardness, almost opaque, and of a reddish colour. It is allied to the sapphire, and is composed of nearly pure alÚmina. Cot´tus. A genus of fishes. Coty´ledon. From the Gr. katuledon, a seed-lobe. Cotyle´donous. Belonging or relating to a cotyledon or seed lobe. Cra´ter. Lat. A great cup or bowl. The mouth of a volcano. Crate´riform. In form of a crater. Crateri´ferous. Containing craters. Creta´ceous. From the Lat. creta, chalk. Of the nature of chalk, relating to chalk. Crinoi´deÆ. From the Gr. krinon, a lily, and eidos, resemblance. A family of radiate animals. Crop out. When a rock, in place, emerges on the surface of the earth, it is said to crop out. Cro´ton. A genus of plants of the family of EuphorbiÁceÆ. Crucife´rÆ. From the Lat. crux, crucis, a cross, and fero, I bear. A family of plants which have flowers in form of a Maltese cross. Cru´ciform. In shape of a cross. Crusta´cea. From the Lat. crusta, a crust. A class of articulated animals. Crusta´cean. An animal of the class of crustacea; a crab. Cryptoga´mia. From the Gr. kruptos, concealed, and gamos, marriage. A class of plants, which are propagated without apparent seeds. Cryto´gamous. Belonging or relating to crytogÁmia. Cryst´al. From the Gr. krustallos, ice. This term was originally applied to those beautiful transparent varieties of silica or quartz known under the name of rock-crystal. When substances pass from the fluid to the solid state, they frequently assume those regular forms which are generally termed crystals. A crystal is any inorganic solid of homogeneous structure, bounded by natural planes and right lines, symmetrically arranged. Crys´talline. Relating to, or resembling crystals. Crystalliza´tion. The process by which crystals are formed. Cucife´ra Thebai´ca. A palm of Egypt which grows to the height of 20 feet. Also known as the genus HyphÆne, from the Gr. Huphaino, I entwine. A fan-leaf palm of the tribe of BorassÍneÆ. Cu´culus. Lat. A cuckoo. A genus of passerine birds. Cu´lex. Lat. A gnat. A genus of insects of the family of Dip´tera, and type of the tribe of CulÍcides: culex pipiens, the common gnat. Cu´muli. Plural of cumulus. Cu´mulo-stra´tus. Twain cloud: it partakes of the appearance of the cumulus and stratus. Cu´mulus. A form of cloud. A convex aggregate of watery particles, increasing upwards from a horizontal base, and assuming more or less of a conical figure. Cur´videns. Lat. Curvus, bent, and dens, tooth. Having a bent tooth. Cuspa´ria. A genus of plants, named after the tree which yields the Angustura bark. Cyanap´tera. From the Gr. kuanos, blue, and pteron, wing. A specific name. Cyaneroi´des. From the Gr. kuanos, blue, and eidos, resemblance. A family of medusÆ. Cy´cas. A genus of plants, the type of the family cycÁdeÆ. Cycas revoluta. Narrow-leaved cycas. Cyca´deÆ. A family of plants allied to the cÓnifers. Cycada´ceous. Belonging or relating to the cycÁdeÆ. Cy´clas. From the Gr. kuklos, a circle. A genus of gasteropods. Cygnus. Lat. A swan. A genus of birds. Cygnus musicus. The whistling swan. Cynoce´phalus. From the Gr. kuon, a dog, and kephale, head. A genus of mammals. Dog headed monkey or baboon. Cypera´ceÆ. Name of a family of herbaceous plants. Cyp´rÆa. From the Gr. kupris, Venus. A cowry. A genus of mollusks. CyprÆa moneta. The money cowry. Cypri´nidÆ. From the Gr. kuprinos, a carp. Name of a family of fishes. Cystosei´riÆ. From the Gr. kustis, a vesicle, and seira, a chain. A tribe of sea-weeds. Dac´tylis. From the Gr. daktulos, a finger. A genus of the family of GramÍneÆ. Dactylis cÆspitosa. Tussock grass. Dahlia. After Dahl, a Swedish botanist. Genus of plants of the family of CompÓsitÆ. Dalbe´rgia. After Dalberg, a Swedish botanist. A genus of plants of the family of PapilionÁceÆ, and of the tribe of DalbergiÆ. Daman. Alteration of the Arabic word Ghannem, the name of an animal. Specific name of a mammal. Danais. Genus of plants of the family of RubiÁceÆ. Darwi´nii. The name of Darwin latinized. Belonging or relating to Darwin. Dasy´uridÆ. From the Gr. dasus, thick, hairy, and oura, tail. A family of mammals. Debris. Fr. Wreck, ruins, remains. In geology the term is applied to large fragments, to distinguish them from detritus, or those which are pulverized. Deci´duous. From the Lat. decido, I fall off. Applied to plants whose leaves fall off in autumn, to distinguish them from evergreens. Dec´lination of any celestial body, is the angular distance of the body, north or south, from the equator. Deinothe´rium. From the Gr. deinos, terrible, and thereion, wild beast. A genus of fossil pachyderms. Delesse´riÆ. Proper name. Tribe of plants of the family of Flori´deÆ. Delphi´nus. Lat. Dolphin. A genus of aquatic mammals. Del´ta. The Gr. letter ?. The triangular deposits, shoals or islands, at the mouths of rivers are called deltas. Del´toid. From the Gr. letter ? and eidos, resemblance. Resembling the letter delta. Denuda´tion. From the Lat. denudo, I strip. A removal of a part of the land, so as to lay bare the inferior strata. Deoda´r. A kind of pine tree. De´position. From the Lat. depono, I let fall. In geology the falling to the bottom of matters suspended or dissolved in water. Devonian system. So called because it is largely developed in Devonshire, England. It is synonymous with the old red sand formation. It is composed at first of pudding stone, and then passes into sandstone, with which it alternates at different places. De´tinens. Lat. Detaining; that which has the power to detain. De´tritus. A geological term applied to deposits composed of various substances which have been comminuted by attrition. The larger fragments are usually termed debris; those which are pulverized, as it were, constitute detritus. Sand is the detritus of silicious rocks. Diamagnetic. If a bar of iron be suspended between the poles of an electro-magnet, it will be attracted by both poles on the line of force. But if a bar of bismuth be suspended in the same manner, it will be repelled by both poles, and rest at right angles to the line of force. Substances which are attracted by both poles of an electro-magnet are said to be magnetic, and those which are repelled by both poles are termed diamagnetic. Dichoto´ma, From the Gr. dicha, divided, and tomos, section. In zoology this term is applied to a species of the genus Iris, the body of which is bifurcate. In botany it is applied to the stem, branches, peduncles, leaves, hairs, styles, &c., when they are bifurcated in form. Dicoty´ledon. From the Gr. dis, two, and kotuledon, seed lobe. A double seed lobe. Dicotyle´donous. Relating to dicotyledon; having a double seed lobe. Didel´phous. From the Gr. dis, double, and delphus, womb. Applied to Didel´phis. A genus of marsupial mammals. Didel´phidÆ. A tribe of marsupial mammals. Digita´ta. Lat. Digitate; spread out like the fingers. Dio´tis. From the Gr. diÔtos, having two ears: referring to the flower. A genus of plants of the family of helianthÁceÆ. Dislocation. Displacement. In geology where strata or veins have been displaced from the position where first deposited or formed, they are said to be dislocated. Di´sa. A genus of plants of the family of Orchi´deÆ. Di´sa grandiflora. Large-flowered Disa. Dio´sma. From the Gr. dios, divine, and osme, smell. A genus of plants of the family of Dios´meÆ. Dillenia´ceÆ. Proper name. A family of plants. DionÆ´a. One of the names of Venus. A genus of plants of the family of DroserÁcea. DionÆa musci´pula. Venus’ Fly-trap. Dip´teryx. From the Gr. dis, double, and pterux, a wing, in allusion to the two appendages of the calyx. Tonquin Bean. A genus of plants of the family of LeguminÓsÆ. Dip´teryx odora´ta. Sweet-scented Tonquin Bean. Dic´tyota. From the Gr. dictuon, a net. A genus of plants of the family of Phy´ceÆ, and tribe of dictyÓteÆ. Dictyo´nema. From the Gr. dictuon, a net, and nema, a filament. A genus of plants of the family of Phy´ceÆ. Dip. In geology direction of the inclination of strata. “To take a dip,” is to measure the degree that a stratum inclines or dips from a horizontal line. Dis´integrate. From the Lat. de, privative, and integer, a whole. To separate or break up an aggregate into parts. Do´lomite. Magnesian marble, or granular magnesian carbonate of lime. Named after Dolomieu. Dombe´ya. In honor of Joseph Dombey. A genus of plants of the family of ByttneriÁcea: it is found in Madagascar and the Isle of Bourbon. Dorsige´ra. Lat. From dorsum, the back, a ridge, and gero, I carry or wear. A specific name. Dorya´nthes. From the Gr. doru, doratos, a lance, and anthesis, a flowering. A genus of plants of the family of AmaryllidÁceÆ. Draba. A genus of plants of the family of CruciferÆ. DracÆna. Lat. A genus of Saurians. DracÆnÆ. Plural of DracÆna. Dryoba´lanops. From the Gr. drus, os, an oak, balanos, an acorn, and ops, aspect. A genus of plants of the family of Dip´terocÁrpeÆ. Dryobalanos camphora. The camphor tree of Sumatra. Dyna´mic. From the Gr. dunamis, power, force. Belonging or relating to dynamics. Dynamics. The doctrine of forces as exhibited in moving bodies which are at liberty to obey the impulses communicated to them. The motions of celestial bodies in their orbits, or of a stone falling freely through the air, are embraced in the study of dynamics. Di´dymium. A metal discovered recently by Mosander. Earths. Formerly chemists, believing them to be simple bodies, included the following substances under the name of earths: Baryta, Strontia, Lime, Magnesia, Alumina or clay, Silica, Glucina, Zirconia, and Yttria. Research has shown that all have metallic or metalloid bases. Echid´na. Greek name of a monster, supposed to have the body of a beautiful woman, and the tail of a serpent. A genus of mammals of the family of Monotrema. Ecliptic. In Astronomy the great circle of the heavens which the sun appears to describe in his annual revolution. Edenta´ta. From the Lat. e, without, and dens, tooth: without teeth. An order of mammals which are destitute of teeth. E´dulis. Lat. Eatable; that which may be eaten. Efflore´scence. The pulverulent covering formed on the surface of saline substances from which the atmosphere has removed the water of crystallization. When saline substances give up their water of crystalization to the air, they are said to effloresce. Elais. From the Gr. elaia, the olive. A genus of plants of the family of Palms. The Elais Guinea´ensis yields the Palm oil. Elaps. Gr. Name of a serpent. A genus of ophidians. Electricity. From the Gr. elektron, amber, the substance in which it was first observed. The property acquired by glass and resin from friction to attract light substances. Electricity exists in all bodies, and becomes manifest, at least partially, whenever the natural state of equilibrium of their molecules is disturbed by any cause. Electro-magnetism. The phenomena produced when a current of electricity is traversing any substance, or when electricity is in motion, magnetism is at the same time developed. Electro-magnet. An apparatus for exhibiting the phenomena of electro-magnetism. Elec´tricus. Lat. Electric. Belonging to, or relating to electricity. Ellip´tica. Lat. Elliptic. E´lephas. Lat. Gr. name of the elephant. A genus of mammals of the order of pachydemus. Elephanti´na. Lat. Belonging or relating to an elephant; elephantine. Em´bryo. From the Gr. embruon, from, bruÔ I bud forth. A germ at the early stages of development. E´merald. A mineral of a beautiful green colour, much valued for ornamental jewelry. It consists of silica, alumina, glucina, oxide of chromium, which is the colouring matter, and a trace of lime. E´mys. Lat. From the Gr. emus, a water tortoise. A genus of reptiles of the family of emydians. Emy´dians. A family of reptiles of the order of ChelÓnia. Encri´nites. From the Gr. krinon, a lily. A genus of fossil Echinoderms. The skeleton of this animal is said to consist of not less than 26,000 separate pieces. E´oce´ne. From the Gr. eÔs, dawn, and kainos, recent. In geology a name for the older tertiary formation, in which the first dawn, as it were, of existing species, appear. Epacri´deÆ. From the Gr. epi, upon, and akros, an elevated place, a hill. A family of plants. Ep´iphyte. From the Gr. epi, upon, and phutos, a plant. Applied to plants which grow upon other plants. Equinoctia´lis. Lat. Equinoctial. Equise´tum. From the Lat equus, a horse, and seta, hair. A genus of plants of the family of equisitÁceÆ. Equus. Lat. A horse. A genus of mammals. Er´bium. A metal, recently discovered. Erica. A genus of plants of which there are 429 species. Erythri´na. From the Gr. eruthros, red. A genus of plants of the family of PapilionÁceÆ. Erythrox´ylon. From the Gr. eruthros, red, and xulon, wood. A genus of plants. Escarpment. From the Ital. scarpa, sharp, formed from the Lat. carpere, to cut. The steep face often presented by the abrupt termination of strata where subjacent beds crop out from beneath them. Esculenta. Lat. Esculent. Eucaly´pti. Lat. Plural of eucalyptus. Eucaly´ptus. From the Gr. eu, well, and kaluptos, covered. A genus of plants of the family of MyrtÁceÆ. Eupho´rbia. Gr. Name of a plant. A genus of plants of which there are 300 species. Exce´lsa. Lat. Noble, tall, stately. Exco´rtica. Lat. Without bark. Ex´ogenous. From the Gr. ex, from, and geinomai, I grow. Applied to plants which grow by successive external additions to their wood. Extensile. Having the power to extend itself. Exu´viÆ. Lat. The sloughs or cast skins, or cast shells of animals. Fa´gus. Lat. Beech. A genus of plants of the family of AmentÁceÆ. Falco. Lat. Falcon. A genus of birds. Falco islandicus. The Gerfalcon. Family. In natural history the term is applied to an assemblage of several genera which resemble each other in many respects. Far´ina. Lat. Meal. Far´inha. Portu. Meal, flour. Farino´sa. Lat. Meally; belonging or relating to meal. Fauna. All animals of all kinds peculiar to a country constitute the fauna of that country. Felis. Lat, A cat. A genus of mammals of the family of carnivÓra. Felis irbis. The panther. Fenestra´lis. Lat. Belonging or relating to a window or opening. Fer´bium. A recently discovered metal. Ferns. The filices; an order of cryptogÁmic plants. Fi´cus. Lat. A fig. A genus of plants of the family of MorÆ´ceÆ. Ficoide. A genus of plants of the family of Mesembrya´nthe´meÆ, of which there are about 200 species. Ficoides. The family of MesembryÁnthÉmeÆ. Ficoides is applied as a specific name. Flacour´tia. Proper name. A genus of plants of the family of FlacourtiÁceÆ. Flabel´liforme. From the Lat. flabellum, a fan, and forma, form. Fan-shaped. Flora. Lat. Name of the Goddess of Flowers. All the plants of all kinds belonging to a country constitute the flora of that country. Flo´rida. Belonging or relating to flowers; or relating to the State of Florida. Foci. Lat. Plural of focus. Focus. Lat. A hearth. In optics the term describes the point or space where the rays of light are concentrated by a lens. The apex of a cone of rays of light, or of heat, formed by a lens, or concave mirror. Folia´ceous. From the Lat. folium, a leaf. Leafy. Having the form of leaves. Fossil. From the Lat. fodio, I dig. Any organic body, or the traces of any organic body, whether animal or vegetable, which has been buried in the earth by natural causes. Fossili´ferous. Contain fossils. Formi´cidÆ. From the Lat. formica, an ant, and the Gr. eidos, resemblance. A family of insects of the family of HymenÓptera. Frond. Also, frons. A name applied to the leaves of palms, and of cryptÓgamous plants. Frondo´sa. Lat. Full of green leaves. Fra´grans. Lat. Fragrant; odorous. Fra´gilis. Lat. Fragile; easily broken. Fringi´llÆ. Lat. fringilla, a chafinch. A family of birds, the most numerous of the group of conirostres, or thick billed birds. Fucca. Name of a genus of aquatic plants. Fuci. Lat. Plural of fucus. Fucus. Lat. Sea-weed. A genus of aquatic plants. Fuchsia. After Leonard Fuchs, a physician of the 16th century. A genus of plants. Function. From the Lat. fungor, I act. The action of an organ, or system of organs. Fungi. Lat. Plural of fungus. Fungus. Lat. A mushroom. Fune´reus. Lat. Funeral: belonging to a dead body. Ga´dus. Lat. A codfish. Gallina´ceous. From the Lat. galle´na, a hen. Relating to birds of the order of GallinÁceÆ. Gale´na. From the Gr. galene, lead ore. A mineral composed of sulphur and lead: a natural sulphuret of lead. Gal´vanism. From Galvani, a distinguished Italian philosopher. That branch of electrical science in which electricity is made manifest by the mediate contact of different metals. Also, the phenomena exhibited by living animal matter when placed between the poles or extremities of an apparatus for showing electricity by the mediate contact of different metals. Galva´nic. Belonging or relating to galvanism. Gangea´ticus. Lat. Gangeatic; belonging or relating to the river Ganges. Garde´nia. After a proper name. A genus of plants of the family of RubiÁceÆ; it contains some forty species. The Gardenia grandiflora is the Cape Jasmin. Gar´net. A mineral consisting of silicates of alumina, lime, iron, and manganese. It occurs imbedded in mica-slate, granite, and gneiss, and occasionally in limestone, chlorite-slate, serpentine, and lava. There are several varieties of garnet. Gas. From the Germ. geist, spirit. The name given to all permanently elastic fluids, or airs, different from the atmospheric air. Gaseous. Of the nature of gas. Genre. Fr. Genus, kind, manner, style. In painting it is applied to signify the representation of certain kinds of objects, as landscapes, views, animals, plants, flowers, scenes in common life. Pictures of genre, then, are pictures of a genus or kind as to subject; as landscapes, marine views, flower pieces, still-life, &c. Ge´nera. Lat. Plural of genus. Ge´ology. From the Gr. ge, the earth, and logos, discourse. That branch of natural history which treats of the structure of the terrestrial globe. It is divided into descriptive geology; dynamic geology, which treats of the forces by which the surface of the earth has been modified; practical and economic geology, embracing the application of geological science to mining, road-making, architecture, and agriculture. Geother´mal. From the Gr. ge, the earth, and thermos, heat, temperature. Relating to the temperature of the earth. Gera´rdia. Proper name. A genus of plants of the family of ScrophulÁrieÆ. Germina´tion. The process of the development of the seed, and the embryo which it contains. Gey´sers. From an Icelandic word, signifying raging or roaring. Celebrated spouting fountains of boiling water in Iceland. Gibbosa. Lat. Gibbous; having protuberances or bunches. Gibralta´rica. Lat. Belonging or relating to Gibraltar. Gigan´tea. Lat. Gigantic, huge. Gileade´nsis. Lat. Belonging or relating to Gilead. Gla´cial. Belonging or relating to ice. Gla´ciers. Fr. Masses or beds of ice formed in high mountains, derived from the snows or lakes frozen by the continued cold of those regions. Gladio´lus. A genus of plants of the family of Iri´deÆ. Gland. An organ formed for the purpose of secreting a peculiar fluid. Glau´cous. From the Gr. glaukos, blue. Applied to the bluish and pulverulent aspect which certain plants present, such as the leaves of cabbages, &c. Also used to signify the bloom of the color of cabbage leaves, sometimes observed on polished bodies. Gledi´tschia. A genus of plants of the family of LeguminÓsÆ, named in honor of J. G. Gleditsch, a German botanist. It includes the Honey and Swamp locust trees among its species. Globba´ria. From the Lat. globum, a ball. A genus of insects: also a specific name. Gluci´num. A metal discovered in glucina in 1798 by Vauquelin. Glu´ten. Lat. The viscid elastic substance which remains when wheat flour is wrapped in a coarse cloth, and washed under a stream of water, so as to carry off the starch and soluble matters. It exists in many plants and in animals. It is the basis of glue. Glyce´ria. A genus of plants of the family of grami´neÆ, and the tribe FestucÁceÆ. Gly´cine. From the Gr. glukus, sweet. A genus of plants of the family of PapilionÁceÆ. Gnapha´lium. From the Gr. gnaphalion, the cotton tree. A genus of plants of the family of CompositÆ. Gneiss. Germ. A rock resembling granite. It is composed chiefly of feldspar and mica, and is more or less slaty in its structure. Gneiss is used for building and flagging. Gold. The most valuable and longest known of the metals. Goode´nia. Proper name. A genus of plants of the family of GoodeniÁceÆ. Gordo´nia. Proper name. A genus of plants of the family of GordonieÆ. Grandiflora. Lat. Large-flowered. Grami´neÆ. Lat. Grasses. A family of monocotylÉdonous plants, containing about 3000 species. Granivorous. Applied to animals which feed upon grains, especially to passerine birds. GrÆca. Lat. Greek. Gra´nular. Composed of grains. Granite. A rock which is a crystaline aggregate of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Granitic. Of the nature of granite. Greenstone. A rough variety of trap-rock, consisting chiefly of hornblende. Grit. A coarse-grained sandstone. Guilandi´na. A proper name. A genus of plants of the family of LeguminÓsÆ. Guilandina Bonduc, the oval-leaved Nicker-tree. Guineaen´sis. Lat. Belonging or relating to Guinea. Gum. A vegetable product, which is tasteless and inodorous, and is distinguished by being soluble in water, and insoluble in Gymno´tus. From the Gr. gumnos, naked, and nÔtos, back. A genus of fishes. Gypsum. Native sulphate of lime. It is converted into plaster of Paris by heat. Gyro´phora. From the Gr. guros, a circle, and pherÔ, I give. A genus of cryptÓgamous plants. Habitat. Lat. He inhabits. Used to designate the place in which animals and plants are naturally found. Halio´tis. From the Gr. als, the sea, and ous, the ear. A genus of mollusks. Ha´lcyon. From the Gr. alkuo´n, a king-fisher. A genus of birds. Helia´nthus. From the Gr. elios, the sun, and anthos, flower; sunflower. Heli´acal. From the Gr. elios, the sun. Relating to the sun. When a star rises so as to be visible in morning twilight before the appearance of the sun, it is said to rise heliacally. Hep´taphyllum. From the Gr. epta, seven, and phulon, a leaf. Seven-leaved. A specific name. Herba´ceous. In botany, Herb-like; that perishes every year. An annual stem. Not woody. Herbivo´ra. Lat. Herbivorous. Herbivo´rous. From the Lat. herba, a plant, and vorare, to eat. Plant eating. Applied to animals which feed chiefly or exclusively on plants or herbs. Heritie´ra. Proper name. A genus of plants of the family of SterculiÁceÆ. Hibernate. From the Lat. hibernare, to winter. Animals which retire and sleep throughout the winter, are said to hibernate. Hibi´scus. A genus of plants of the family of MalvÁceÆ. Hieroch´loa. From the Gr. ieros, sacred, and chloa, herb. A genus of plants of the family of Grami´neÆ. Hippopo´tamus. From the Gr. ippos, a horse, and potamos, river. River Horse. A genus of mammals. Hirsu´ta. Lat. Hirsute; covered with soft hairs. Hol´cus. A genus of plants of the family Grami´neÆ. Hopea, or Hoppea. Proper name. A genus of plants. Ho´rrida. Lat. Horrid; spiny. Ho´rary. From the Lat. hora, an hour. The motion of a celestial body, or the space it moves through in an hour, is termed its horary motion. Humi´ria. A genus of plants of the family of humoriÁceÆ. They inhabit tropical America. Hydran´gea. From the Gr. udÔr, water, and aggos, a vessel. A genus of plants of the family of SaxifragÁceÆ, and tribe of HydrangÉeÆ. Hydrau´lic. From the Gr. udÔr, water, and aulos, a pipe. Relating to liquids in motion. Hydraulics is that branch of natural philosophy or physics which treats of the force of water and other liquids in motion. Hydrosta´tic. From the Gr. udÔr, water, and staÔ, I stand. Relating to water in a state of rest. Hydrostatics is the science which treats of the equilibrium and pressure of water and other liquids. Hy´drogen. From the Gr. udÔr, water, and gennaein, to generate. A colorless, tasteless, inodorous gas, one part of which, by weight, combined with eight parts of oxygen forms water;—combined with sulphur it constitutes sulphuretted Hydrogen;—and with carbon, carburetted Hydrogen, the gas used for illumination. Hydrogeton. A synonym of Ouviraudra. A genus of aquatic plants. Hyla. From the Gr. ule, wood, a tree. A tree frog. HymenÆ´a. A genus of plants of the family of PapilionÁceÆ. A resinous tree of tropical America. Hymeno´ptera. From the Gr. umen, a membrane, and pteron, wing. Systematic name of a class of insects, characterized by membranous wings. Hy´rax. From the Gr. urax, a shrew mouse. A genus of mammals. Ianthina. See Janthina. I´bex. Lat. A wild goat. A genus of mammals. I´bis. A genus of birds. Igneous rocks. Are those rocks whose structure is attributable to the influence of heat, such as granite and basalt. They are distinct from stratified rocks, or those formed by deposits from water. I´guana. A reptile of the lizard tribe. Igua´nian. Applied to Saurians which resemble the iguana. Igua´nodon. From iguana, and the Gr. odous, tooth. A genus of extinct or fossil reptiles of gigantic size discovered in the south of England. I´lex. Lat. The Holly. Ili´cis. Lat. Of the Holly; belonging or relating to the holly. Illi´cium. From illicio to attract; from its agreeable perfume. The Im´bricate. Laid one over another like tiles. Inconspicuus. Lat. Not conspicuous or remarkable. Incisor. From the Lat. incido I cut. Applied to those teeth which occupy the anterior or centre of the upper and lower jaws, because they are used for cutting the food. Inca. Designation of the aboriginal Peruvian princes; used as a specific name. Also, a genus of insects. Indica—Indicus. Lat. Indian: Belonging or relating to India. Indica´tor. Lat. Indicator; one who points out. A genus of birds. Infuso´ria. Animals of infusions; microscopic animalcules. Infuso´rial. Belonging or relating to the Infusoria. Inorganic. Without organs or organization. Insect. From the Lat. in, into, seco, I cut. Applied to animals whose bodies are cut, as it were, into three parts—head, thorax, and abdomen. Irid´eÆ. A family of monocotylÉdonous plants. Isatis. From the Gr. isazÔ, I render equal. Woad. A genus of plants of the family of CruciferÆ. Also the name of a species of dog. Isla´ndicus. Lat. Belonging or relating to Iceland. Iso´geo´thermal. From the Gr. isos, equal, ge, the earth, and thermos, heat. Applied to lines which are supposed to pass through all parts of the earth’s structure on the surface where the mean heat is the same. Isothe´rmal. From the Gr. isos, equal, and thermos, heat. Isothermal lines are supposed to pass through all places where the mean temperature of the air is the same. Isotherial. From the Gr. isos, equal, and thereios, having the heat of summer. Isotherial lines are supposed to be drawn through all places having the same mean summer temperature. Isochi´menal. From the Gr. isos, equal, and cheima, winter. Isochimenal lines pass through all places where the mean winter temperature is the same. Ixia. A genus of plants of the family of IrideÆ. Janthi´na. From the Gr. ianthinos, violet. A genus of mollusks. Japo´nica—Japo´nicus. Belonging or relating to Japan. Jasper. A silicious mineral of various colors; sometimes spotted, banded or variegated. It takes a fine polish. Jerbo´a. A genus of mammals of the family of Rodents, or gnawers. Jura´ssic. Belonging or relating to the Jura mountains. Applied to a system of rocks of the middle secondary geological period. Also termed oolitic. Ka´lmia. A genus of plants of the family of EricÁceÆ. Ker´ria. Proper name. A genus of plants of the family of RosÁceÆ. Ke´urva. King´ia. Proper name. A genus of plants of the family of JoncÁceÆ, found in New Holland. Kingia australis; the grass tree. Labia´tÆ. From the Lat. labium, lip; in allusion to the form of the corolla. A family of dicotylÉdonous plants. Lago´pus. From the Gr. lagÔs, a hare, and pous, foot: hare-footed. A genus of birds of the order GallinÁceÆ. Lam´antin. The manatus. A genus of mammals of the order of CetÁcea. Lamina´ria. A genus of aquatic plants of the family of Phy´ceÆ. Lamprato´rnis. A genus of birds. Lampratornis superba. A kind of raven. Lana´ta. Lat. Woolly. Lanceola´tus. Lat. Lanceolate; lance-shaped. Landslip, or Landslide. In geology, the removal of a portion of land down an inclined surface, from its attachment being loosened by the action of water beneath, or by an earthquake. Lanta´nium. A metal discovered in 1840 by Mosander. Lapis lazuli. A mineral belonging to the aluminous silicates, of an azure blue colour. Laureo´la. Specific name of a plant. Lauri´neÆ. From laurus, laurel, one of the genera. A family of plants. La´rva. Lat. A mask. The first state of an insect after leaving the egg. La´rvÆ. Lat. Plural of larva. La´va. In geology, substances which flow in a melted state from a volcano. Lavas vary in consistence and texture. Legumino´sÆ. From the Lat. legumen, a bean. A family of plants. Legu´minous. Belonging or relating to the LeguminoseÆ. Leoni´na. Belonging or relating to a lion. Lepori´na. Lat. Belonging or relating to a hare. Lepido´ptera. From the Gr. lepis, a scale, and pteron, a wing, scaly wings. An order of insects characterized by scaly wings. Lesso´nia. Proper name. A genus of plants; also a genus of birds. Leucade´ndron. From the Gr. leukos, white, and dendron, tree. A genus of plants of the family of ProteÁceÆ. Lias. Provincial corruption of the word layers. In geology, a division of the secondary formation. It is also called the Liassic, Jurassic, and Oolitic system of rocks. Li´chens. An order of cryptÓgamous plants. They include various mosses. Lilia´ceous. Belonging or relating to the lily. Lilia´ceÆ. A family of plants. Llanos. Span. Planes. Limo´nia. A genus of plants of the family of AurantiÁceÆ. Limb. In botany, the spreading part or border of a leaf or petal. In astronomy, the outermost edge of the sun or moon. Li´riode´ndron. From the Gr. leirion, a lily, and dendron, a tree. The tulip tree. A genus of plants of the family of MagnoliÁceÆ. Li´thium. A metal. Lo´asa. A genus of plants of the family of LoasÁceÆ. Lobe. A term applied in botany to the more or less profound divisions of a leaf, corolla, or other part of a plant. Lobelia´ceÆ. In honor of Lobel, a botanist. A family of dicotylÉdonous plants. Longifrons. Lat. Having a long front or forehead. Lophobra´nches. From the Gr. lophos, a tuft, or crest, and branchia, gills. An order of fishes. Lophopho´rus. From the Gr. lophos, a tuft, and phoros, bearer. A genus of birds of the order GallinÁceÆ. Lora´nthus. From the Gr. lÔron, a leather strap, and anthos, flower. Loranth. A genus of plants of the family of LoranthÁceÆ. Lo´tus. A genus of plants of the family of LeguminÓsÆ. Loxia. A genus of birds. Lu´teum. Lat. Yellow; dirty; made of clay. A specific name. Macroce´phalus. From the Gr. makros, large, and kephale, head. A genus of insects. The specific name of a mammal. Macrocy´stis. From the Gr. makros, large, and kustis, bladder. A genus of aquatic plants of the family of PhyceÆ. Gigantic sea-weeds found in the southern hemisphere. Macrou´rous. From the Gr. makros, great, and oura, tail. Having a long or large tail. Mag´netism. The science which investigates the phenomena presented by natural and artificial magnets, and the laws by which they are connected. Magne´sium. A silvery white metal obtained from magnesia. Magne´sian. Containing magnesia. Magno´lia. Name of Magnol, a French botanist. A genus of plants of the family of MagnoliÁceÆ. Ma´lachite. A mineral; native green carbonate of copper. Mal´lotus. A genus of fishes of the family of Salmones. A genus of plants of the family of EuphorbiÁceÆ. A synonyme of the genus Rottlera. Malu´rus. A genus of passerine birds. Mam´mal. Any animal that suckles its young. Mamma´lia. From the Lat. mamma, a breast. The name of the class of mammals or animals which suckle their young. Mammi´ferÆ. Same as mammalia. Mana´ti. Lat. Plural of manatus. Mana´tus. A genus of mammals. The Lamantin. Mangane´se. A metal. Mariti´ma. Lat. Maritime; relating to the sea. Marl. Argillaceous carbonate of lime. There are several varieties of marl. Marsu´pial. From the Lat. marsupium, a pouch. Any animal having a peculiar pouch in front or on the abdomen. Mas´todon. From the Gr. mastos, a nipple, and odous, a tooth. A genus of extinct mammals allied to the elephant. Ma´trix. In geology, the stony substance or bed in which metallic ores and crystaline minerals are embedded. The gangue. Mauri´tia. Lat. Belonging to the island of Maritius. Mauro´rum. Lat. Of the Moors. Maximus. Lat. The greatest. Medu´sa. A genus of marine animals of the class Acalepha. Megathe´rium. From the Gr. megas, great, and therion, beast. Name of a fossil quadruped. Melaleu´ca. From the Gr. melas, black, and leukos, white. A genus of plants of the family of MyrtÁceÆ. Mela´stoma. From the Gr. melas, black, and stoma, opening. A genus of plants of the family of MelastomÁceÆ. Mel´ia. A genus of plants of the family of MeliÁceÆ. Melofo´rmis. From the Lat. melo, a melon, and forma, shape. Melon-shaped. Menopoma. From the Gr. menos, strong, and poma, cover. A genus of reptiles of the family of Salamanders. Specific name of a batrachian. Menura. A genus of passerine birds. The Menura superba, the lyre-bird. Mercury. Quicksilver. A metal which is liquid at the ordinary temperature. Mese´meryan´themum. From the Gr. mesembria, the mid-day, and anthemum, flowering, because the flowers usually expand at that time. The fig marygold. A genus of plants of the family of Ficoides. Me´sa. Span. A table. Mespilus. From the Gr. mesos, half, and pilÉ, bullet, the fruit resembling a half ball. The medlar. A genus of plants of the family of RosÁceÆ. Metalli´ferous. Containing metal, or metals. Metamor´phic. From the Gr. meta, indicating change, and morphe, form. Metamorphic rocks are those which are evidently of mechanical origin, but owing to the presumed action of heat, have undergone change. Altered rocks. Metrosi´deros. From the Gr. metra, heart of a tree, and sideron, iron, in allusion to the hardness of its wood. A genus of plants of the family of MyrtÁceÆ. Metur. A species of wild corn which grows in Iceland. Mia´sma. From the Gr. miainÔ, I contaminate. Applied to any emanation from animal or vegetable substances, or from the earth, which may prejudicially influence the health of those persons who may be exposed to it. Mi´ca. From the Lat. mico, I shine. A mineral, generally found in thin elastic laminÆ, soft, smooth, and of various colors and degrees of transparency. It is one of the constituents of granite. Mica-schist. Germ. (Gr. schistos, slaty, easily split.) Mica-slate. A lamellar rock composed of quartz, ordinarily grayish, and a great quantity of brilliant lamellÆ of mica arranged in scales, or extended leaves. Mi´das. Name of a genus of monkeys; also, of a genus of reptiles. Migrato´ria. Lat. Migrating. Millingto´nia. Proper name. A genus of plants of the family of BignoniÁceÆ. Millepo´ra. From mil, a thousand, and pori, holes. A genus of stony polyps, or corallines. Mimo´sa. From the Lat. mimus, a comedian, in allusion to its numerous varieties. A genus, and a tribe of plants. Mi´ocene. From the Gr. meiÔn, less, and kainos, recent. In geology a name of a group of rocks of the tertiary period. Mi´nimum. Lat. The least. Mira´ge. Fr. A kind of natural optical illusion, arising from the unequal refraction of the lower strata of the atmosphere. The illusive appearance of water in deserts is explained in this manner. Misodendron. A genus of plants of the family of LoranthÁceÆ. Mite´lla. A genus of plants of the family of SaxafragÁceÆ. Mollusk. From the Lat. mollis, soft. Applied to certain soft animals which inhabit shells, as oysters. Mollu´sca. A branch of the animal kingdom. Mollu´scous. Belonging or relating to mollusks. Molyb´denum. A white, brittle metal. Monocotyle´don. From the Gr. monos, single, and kotuledon, seed-lobe. A single seed-lobe. Monocotyle´donous. Relating to monocotyledon. Mono´ceros. From the Gr. monos, single, and keras, horn. Having one horn. Mo´nodon. From the Gr. monos, single, and odous, tooth. Name of a genus of aquatic mammals. The Narwhal. Mone´ta. Lat. Belonging or relating to money. Moni´liform. From the Lat. monile, a necklace. In form of a string of beads, necklace-like. Mo´nitor. A genus of Saurian reptiles. Monospe´rma. From the Gr. monos, single, sperma, seed. One-seeded. A specific name. Mori´nda. A genus of plants of the family of RubiÁceÆ. Moraines. Longitudinal deposits of stony detritus found at the bases, and along the edges of all the great glaciers. Mo´rus. Mulberry. A genus of plants of the family of Urti´ceÆ. Mosasau´rus. From Meuse, name of a river, and the Gr. sauros, a lizard. A genus of fossil reptiles. Mos´chus. From the Gr, moschos, musk. A genus of mammals. Moschi´ferus. Lat. Musk bearing; containing musk. Mosses. CrytÓgamous parasites of the family of LycopodeÁcÆ. Mu´cilage. A mixture of gum and water. Mural. Belonging or relating to a wall. Musa. The banana. A genus of plants of the family of MusÁceÆ. Muschelkalk. German. Shell limestone. Musci´pula. Lat. A fly trap or mouse trap. Musicus. Lat. Relating to music; musical. Mycetus. Name of a genus of monkeys. Myopo´tamus. From the Gr. mus, a rat, and potamos, a river. A genus of gnawing mammals. Myri´stica. A genus of plants of the family of Myrista´ceÆ; Mystri´tica moschata, the nutmeg tree. Myrtus. Myrtle. A genus of plants of the family of Myrta´ceÆ. Nana. From the Gr. nanos, a dwarf. A specific name. Na´ptha. A limpid bitumen. Narci´ssus. A genus of plants of the family of Amarylli´deÆ. Na´trium. A metal. Natron. A subcarbonate of soda. Nectary. That part of a flower which produces honey. Nelum´bium. A genus of plants of the family of NymphÆ´ceÆ. Sacred Bean. Nestor. An extinct bird. Neuro´ptera. From the Gr. neuron, a nerve, and pteron, wing. An order of insects. New red sandstone. In geology, a system of rocks of the secondary formation. Nickel. A white metal. It is the basis of “German Silver.” Nigra. Lat. Black. Nimbus. A rain cloud. Ni´tida. Lat. Neat, clean, bright. Nitrogen. A simple, permanently elastic fluid or gas, which constitutes four-fifths of the atmosphere, and is the basis of nitric acid. Niva´lis. Lat. Snowy. Non-conductor. Applied to substances which do not possess the property of transmitting electricity, or heat. Notacanthus. From the Gr. nÔtos, back, and akantha, a spine. A genus of fishes. Nototherium. A fossil genus of marsupial mammals. Notornis. An extinct bird. Nummula´ria. From the Latin nummus, a coin. A family of Mollusks. Nummulites. NymphÆ´a. A genus of plants of the family of NymphÆa´ceÆ. Nyssa. From the Gr. nussÔ, I prick. A genus of plants. Ocean´ica. Lat. Relating to the ocean. Oeno´thera. From the Gr. oinos, wine, and therÔ, I hunt. A genus of plants of the family of Oenothera´ceÆ. Synonym of onagrariÆ. Odora´ta. Lat. Odorous. Odoratissi´ma. Lat. Very, or most odorous. Odori´fera. Lat. Odoriferous. O´lea. Lat. Olive. A genus of plants of the family of Olea´ceÆ. Old red sandstone. A system of rocks of the secondary formation. O´olite. From the Greek Ôon, an egg, and lithos, stone. A granular variety of carbonate of lime, frequently called roestone. O´pal. A brittle mineral, characterized by its iridescent reflection of light. It consists of silica with about ten per cent. of water. O´pales´cent. Resembling opal. Ophi´dian. From the Gr. ophis, a serpent; applied to reptiles of the order of Ophidia. Ophice´phalus. From the Gr. ophis, serpent, and kephale, head. Serpent-head. A genus of acÁnthoptery´gian, or bony-finned fishes. Or´chis. A genus of plants of the family of Orchid´eÆ, named from most of the species being marked by two tubercles. Orchid´eous. Relating to the genus orchis. Organ. From the Gr. organon, an instrument. Part of an organized being, destined to exercise some particular function; for example, the ears are the organs of hearing, the muscles are the organs of motion. Orga´nic. Relating to an organ. Organic remains, are the fossil remains of organized beings. Organiza´tion. The mode or manner of structure of an organized being. Organized. Composed of organs; having a mode of structure. Orienta´lis. Lat. Eastern. Belonging to the East. Ornithoryn´chus. From the Gr. ornis, ornithos, a bird, and rugchos, a beak. A genus of mammals, having the beak of a duck. Or´tygis. From the Gr. ortux, a quail. A genus of birds. Os´mium. From the Gr. osme, odour. A metal discovered in 1803, by Tennant. Oscilla´tion. The act of moving backwards and forwards like a pendulum. Ota´ria. From the Gr. Ôtarion, a small ear. A genus of amphibious mammals, of the tribe of seals. Out crop. In geology, the emergence of a rock in place, at the surface. O´vary. In botany, that part of a flower in which the young seeds are contained. Oxa´lis. A genus of plants of the family of OxalideÆ. Oxle´ya. A genus of plants of the family of Cedrela´ceÆ. Oxygen. The vivifying gas which constitutes about one-fifth of the atmosphere, the presence of which is essential to life. Ozo´ne. From the Gr. ozÔ, I smell of something. The odorous matter perceived when electricity passes from pointed bodies into the air. Pachyder´mata. From the Gr. pachus, thick, and derma, skin. An order of mammals—Pachyderms. Padi´na. Same as ZonÁria, a beautiful marine plant. Padina pavonia, or Zona´ria pavonia. Turkey feather. PalÆothe´rium. From the Gr. palaios, ancient, and therion, beast. A fossil genus of pachyder´matous mammals. PalÆonto´logy. From the Gr. palaios, ancient, and on, a being or creature, and logos, discourse. That branch of zoological science which treats of fossil organic remains. PalÆ´ozoic. From the Gr. palaios, ancient, and zoe, life. Relating to ancient life; belonging or relating to fossils. Palma rea´l. Spanish. Royal Palm. Palla´dium. A white, hard, very maleable and ductile metal, which is susceptible of a fine polish. It is more difficult to melt than gold. Palmel´la. A genus of plants of the family of ConfervÁceÆ. Palmella nivalis, a plant of the snowy regions, which gives color to the snow amidst which it grows. Protococcus is the red snow plant. Panda´nus. From the Malay name of the tree, pandang. Screw-pine. A genus of plants, of the family of PandancÆ. Pandanus candelabrum. Candlestick screw-pine. Panda´na. Relating to, or resembling the Screw-pines. Pa´nicum. Panic-grass. A genus of plants of the family of GramineÆ. Panicum miliaceum, millet, a grain used for feeding poultry in England. Papa. Spanish. Pope. Specific name of a vulture. Papy´rus. A genus of plants of the family of Cypera´ceÆ. The Papyrus antiquorum yields the substance used as paper by the ancient Ægyptians. Papyri´fera. From papyrus, a sort of paper, and fero, I bear. Paper-bearing. Parhelia. Plural of parhelion. Parhelion. From the Gr. para, for, elios, the sun, A mock sun. A meteor which consists in the simultaneous appearance of several suns, “fantastic images of the true one.” Paradisa´ica. Lat. Belonging or relating to Paradise. A specific name. Parna´ssus. A genus of lepidopterous insects of the tribe of Parna´ssidÆ. Pass´erines. From the Lat. Passer, a sparrow, name of a varied and extensive order of birds, not easily characterized. Passiflora. Abbreviation of flos, flower, and passionis, of the passion. Passion-flower, so called from a supposed resemblance between its floral organs, and the instruments of the Passion of our Saviour. An extensive and beautiful genus of plants. Patago´nica. Lat. Relating to Patagonia. Specific name of a penguin. Pavo´nia. Formed from the Latin, pavo, a peacock. A specific name. Peat. The natural accumulation of vegetable matter on the surface of lands not in a state of cultivation; always moist to a greater or less degree, varying, according to the kind of plants to the decay of which the formation of peat is due. Pelo´pium. A metal discovered by Prof. H. Rose. Pelargo´nium. From the Gr. pelargos, a stork. Stork’s bill. A genus of plants of the family of GeraniÁceÆ. Pela´sgic. After a mythological name of Jupiter. Pen´dulum. From the Lat. pendo, I hang. A weight suspended at the end of a rod, so that it may vibrate from side to side in a plane, is called a pendulum. Pennise´tum. From the Lat. penna, a feather or pen, and seta, a bristle. A genus of plants of the family of Grami´neÆ. Per´mian. After the ancient kingdom of Permia. A name applied by Mr. Murchison to a system of rocks, consisting of an extensive group of fossiliferous strata, intermediate, in their geological position, between the Carboniferous and Triassic systems, the latter being the upper portion of the New Red Sandstone formation. Perturbation. In astronomy, the deviation of a celestial body from the elliptic orbit which it would describe, if acted upon by no other attractive force than that of the sun, or central body about which it revolves. Pe´tal. From the Gr. petalon, a leaf. A part of the corolla of a flower analogous to a leaf. Petro´leum. From the Gr. petros, a rock, and the Lat. oleum, oil. Rock-oil, often called Barbadoes tar. A brown, liquid bitumen, found in the West Indies, Europe, &c. Phaco´chÆ´re. Fr. From the Gr. phake, a wart, and choiros, a hog. A genus of mammals of the order of pachydermata; allied to the hogs. Phala´nger. From the Gr. phalagx, a phalanx. A genus of marsupial or pouch-bearing mammals. Phaneroga´mia. From the Gr. phaneros, evident, and gamos, marriage. PhanerÓgamous plants. Applied to plants having distinct flowers. Phi´ledon. Name of a genus of birds. Phle´um. Cat’s tail grass. A genus of plants of the family of Grami´neÆ. Phlox. Gr. Flame. A genus of beautiful plants of the family of PolemoniÁceÆ. Pho´cÆ. Lat. Plural of phoca. Pho´ca. Lat. A seal. A genus of aquatic mammals, embracing the common seal or Phoca vitulina; the Harp seal or P. oceanica; the Hare-tailed seal or P. lagura; the sea-lion; sea-wolf; sea-elephant; sea-cow; &c., &c. Pho´nolite. From the Gr. phoneÓ, I resound, and lithos, a stone. Clinkstone. A kind of compact basalt which is sonorous when struck. Phor´mium. From the Gr. phormos, a basket. Flax-lilly. A genus of plants of the family of AsphodÉleÆ. Phormium tenax, Iris-leaved flax-lilly of New Zealand. Phos´phorus. From the Gr. phos, light, and pherÔ, I bear. A simple substance which is highly inflammable. Phospho´ric acid. A compound of phosphorus and oxygen, having the properties of acids. Phos´phates. Compounds of phosphoric acid with salifiable bases, as soda, are termed phosphates; Phosphate of soda, for example. Phosphore´scence. Emission of light from substances at common temperatures, or below a red heat. Phosphorescent. Having the property of emitting light without sensible heat. Physa´lia. From the Gr. phuse, a vesicle. A genus of animals of the family of Acalepha. The Portuguese man-of-war belongs to this genus. Physa´lis. A genus of plants of the family of SolanÁceÆ. Physalis edulis, the Cape gooseberry. Physe´ter. A blower. Name of a genus of mammals of the family of Ceta´cea. Pinnate. From the Lat. pinnatus, feathered. Having leaflets arranged along each side of a common petiole, like the feather of a quill. Pinnati´fida. Lat. Pinnatifid. A leaf is so called when it is divided into lobes from the margin nearly to the midrif. Pinus. Lat. A pine-tree. A genus of plants of the family of ConiferÆ. Pinus abies. The Norway Spruce. Pinus canariensis. The Canary pine. Pinus cembra. The Riga balsam tree; the Cembran or Siberian pine. Pinus excelsa. The lofty or Nepal pine. Pinus maritima. The maritime pine. Pinus pinea. The Stone pine. Pipiens. Lat. Peeping like a chicken. Pipa. A genus of batrachian reptiles. A kind of toad. Plat´ina. The diminutive of the Spanish plata, silver. A metal of a steel gray colour, approaching to the white colour of silver, to which resemblance it owes its name. It was found in Choco, one of the provinces of Columbia, and brought to Europe in 1741, by Don Antonio de Ulloa. Plei´ocene. From the Gr. pleion, more, and kainos, recent. A term applied by geologists to the newer tertiary formation, because there is found fossilized in it a greater number of existing than of extinct species. Plumb-line. From the Lat. plumbum, lead. An instrument, consisting of a string with a weight, usually of lead, attached to a straight staff, for the purpose of ascertaining the direction of gravitation, or the perpendicular to the horizon. Pluto´nic rocks. Unstratified crystaline rocks, probably formed at great depths beneath the surface by igneous fusion. Volcanic rocks are formed near the surface. Podoca´rpus. From the Gr. pous, podos, the foot, and karpos, fruit. A genus of plants of the family of ConiferÆ. Polarized light. Light so modified as to possess poles, or sides, having opposite properties. Polariza´tion. Light, by reflexion, by passing through crystals possessing the power of double refraction, becomes modified, so that it does not present the same phenomena of transmission and reflection, as light which had not been polarized. Polyg´onum. From the Gr. polus, many, and gonu, a knee or joint. A genus of plants of the family of Polygona´ceÆ. Polygonum viriparum, Alpine Bistort. Polymo´rpha. Lat. From the Gr. polus, many, and morphe, form. Many-shaped. A specific name. Po´lypi. Lat. Plural of polypus. Polyple´ctron. Name of a genus of birds. Pol´ypus. From the Gr. polus, many, and pous, foot. A genus of radiate animals. Pon´tica. From pontus, the sea. Belonging or relating to the sea. Pontop´pida´na. Synonym of Couroupita. A genus of plants of the family of MyrtÁceÆ, LecythideÆ. A large tree of Guiana. Ponto´phidan. From the Lat. pontus, the sea, and the Gr. ophis, a serpent. The sea serpent. Portulaca´ria. A genus of plants of the family of Portula´ceÆ. The Purslane-tree. Portulaca´ria afra. The African purslane-tree. Porphyri´tic. Of the nature of porphyry. Portland bed. A name given by geologists to the superior division of the upper Óolite or lias system. The “Portland stone” is a kind of limestone found in the south of England, and more particularly in the Isle of Portland. In this series of strata is a silicious sand known as the “Portland Sand.” Potas´sium. A metal discovered in potash by Sir H. Davy in 1807. Potenti´lla. A genus of plants of the family of RosÁceÆ. Cinquefoil. Potentilla tridenta´ta. Trifid-leaved cinquefoil. Pre´hensile. From the Lat. prehendere, to lay hold of. Having the faculty to lay hold of. Applied to the tails of those monkeys, for example, which have the power to suspend themselves by the tail. Preda´ceous. Living on prey. Primary formation. A term applied by geologists to designate the different rocks which were formed prior to the creation of plants and animals. Primigenius. Lat. Original; first of its kind. Pri´mum mo´bile. That which first imparts motion. Prim´ula. Lat. A primrose. A genus of plants of the family of primulÁceÆ. Primula farino´sa, the Bird’s-eye primrose. Prism. A solid bounded by three planes, two of which are equal. Prismatic. Belonging or relating to a prism. Probosci´dian. From the Gr. proboskis, a proboscis or trunk. Applied to mammals of the family which includes the elephant. Procella´ria. From the Lat. procella, a tempest at sea. A genus of birds of the family of Palmipedes. Proli´fera. Formed from proles, a race or stock, and fero, I bear. Prolific. Pro´tea. A genus of plants of the family of ProteÁceÆ. Protea cyaneroides, Artichoke-flowered protea. Pro´teus. A genus of reptiles. Pteroca´rpus. From the Gr. pteron, a wing, and karpos, fruit. The pods have membranous wings. A genus of plants of the family of LeguminÓsÆ. Pterocarpus santalinus. The red saunders tree. Pte´ris. Gr. Name of Fern. A genus of cryptÓgamous plants. Brake. Pteris esculenta. Edible fern. Pteropus. From the Gr. pteron, wing, and pous, foot. A genus of mammals of the tribe of bats, termed Roussettes. Pu´ma. A name of the couguar or American Lion. Pyroge´nous. From the Gr. pur, fire, and geinomai, I beget. Applied to rocks which owe their origin to the action of fire, as granite. Py´rus. A genus of plants of the family RosÁceÆ. A pear-tree. Pyri´fera. Lat. From pyrus, a pear, and fero, I bear. Python. A genus of reptiles. Quadruma´na. Formed from the Lat. quatuor, four, and manus, hand. An order of mammals characterized by having four hands. Qua´rtz. Germ. Rock crystal. Quartzose. Of the nature of quartz. Quicksilver. A metal which is fluid at ordinary temperatures. Also called mercury. Ra´diate. From the Lat. radius, a ray. Furnished with rays; having rays. Radia´tion. The emission of the rays of light, or of heat, from a luminous or a heated body. Raffle´sia. After Sir T. Raffles. A genus of plants of the family of RafflesiÁceÆ, which are parasites, growing on the roots of dicotyledonous plants. The flowers of some of them are enormously large; the Rafflesia arnoldi are said to be three feet in diameter. Raine´tte. Fr. A tree-frog. Ranun´culus. From the Lat. rana, a frog, because the species inhabit humid places. Crow-foot. A genus of plants of the family of RanunculÁceÆ. Ranun´culi. Lat. Plural of ranunculus. Ra´na. Lat. A frog. A genus of reptiles. Refra´ction. From the Lat. refractus, broken. The deviation of a ray of light from its rectilinear course, caused by passing through a transparent substance. The degree of refraction depends upon the density of the medium through which the ray of light passes. Refu´lgens. Lat. Shining brightly; refulgent. Re´ptile. From the Lat. repere, to crawl. A term applied to any animal that moves naturally upon its belly, or on very short legs, as serpents, &c. Repti´lia. The class of reptiles: it comprises those vertebrate animals which have cold blood, an aËrial respiration, and an incomplete circulation. Resenife´ra. Lat. Containing resin. Revolu´ta. Lat. Turned back; tumbled. Rhea. Synonyme of Struthio, an ostrich. Rho´dium. From the Gr. rodon, a rose, on account of the rose red color of some of its salts. A metal discovered in the year 1803 by Wollaston. Rhodode´ndron. Rhodome´lia. From the Gr. rodon, a rose, and melas, black. A genus of plants of the family of Phy´ceÆ. Rhus. A genus of plants of the family of TerebintÁceÆ. Rhus vernix. The varnish Sumach. Rhynchops. From the Gr. rugchops, a beak. A genus of birds: the skimmers or scissor-bills. Rock-salt. Common salt found in masses or beds in the new red sandstone. Rod´entia. From the Lat. rodere, to gnaw. An order of mammals. Rodents. Animals of the order Rodentia. Ror´qual. A kind of whalebone whale. Ro´sa. A genus of plants of the family of RosÁceÆ. Rosa sinensis. The Chinese rose. Ru´ber. Lat. Red. Rubia´ceÆ. A family of plants. Ru´by. A crystalized gem of various shades of red. Rufima´nus. Lat. Red-handed. Ru´minant. An animal that chews the cud. Rumina´ntia. An order of mammals which are characterized by chewing the cud. Ru´minati. To chew the cud. Sa´lix. Lat. Willow. A genus of plants of the family of Salici´neÆ Sa´lix lana´ta. Woolly willow. Salt. A combination of an acid with one or more bases. Samo´lus. From the Celtic, san, salutary, and mos, pig. Salutary to pigs. Brook-weed. A genus of plants of the family of PrimulÁceÆ. Samo´lus valera´ndi. Common brook-weed. Sandara´ch. A name given by the Arabs to an odorous resin. Sandali´nus. Lat. Sandal-like. Sandstone. Any rock consisting of aggregated grains of sand. Sapa´jou. Fr. A genus of monkeys. Sapi´ndus. Abbreviation of sapo, soap, and indicus, Indian soap. Soap-berry. A genus of plants of the family of SapindÁceÆ. Sapi´ndus sapona´ria. Common soap-berry. Sapona´ria. Lat. Soapy. Sapota´ceÆ. A family of plants. Sa´pphire. A very hard gem consisting essentially of crystalized alu´mina. It is of various colors; the blue variety being usually called sapphire; the red, the oriental ruby; the yellow, the oriental topaz. Sa´quis. A genus of monkeys. Sarga´sum. From the Span. sarga´zo, sea-lentils. A genus of plants of the family of Phy´ceÆ. Sarrace´nia. After Dr. Sarrazin. The side-saddle flower, or pitcher plant. A genus of plants of the family of SarracÉnieÆ. Sau´rian. From the Gr. sauros, a lizard. Applied to animals of the lizard tribe. Sauroid. From the Gr. sauros, a lizard, and eidos, resemblance. Resembling a lizard. Sca´ndens. Lat. Climbing. Schist. From the Gr. schistos, split. Slate. Schisto´se. Slaty. Schot´ia. After Schott, a Dutch gardener. A genus of plants of the family of LeguminÓsÆ. Schotia speciosa. Small-leaved Schotia. Sci´tame´neÆ. A family of plants. Scie´ria. Sco´lopax. A genus of birds: a heron. Scopa´ria. From scopa, a broom. A genus of plants of the family of Scrophulari´neÆ. Sco´riÆ. Volcanic cinders. Cinders and slags of basaltic lavas of a reddish brown and black color. Scoria´ceous. Of the nature of scoriÆ. Sco´riform. In form of scoriÆ. Scy´throps. From the Gr. skuthrops, sad. A genus of birds of the order of climbers. A cuckoo. Seams. Thin layers or strata interposed between others. Secondary formation. In geology the formation which is next in order to the transition formation. Se´cular. From the Lat. seculum, a century. Secular elevations are those which take place gradually and imperceptibly, through a long period of time. Secular tides are those which are dependent upon the secular variation of the moon’s mean distance from the earth. Sedime´ntary. Belonging or relating to sediment. Sebife´ra. Lat. Containing tallow. Seed-lobe. The envelope in which the seed in plants is formed. Sele´nite. A variety of gypsum, or sulphate of lime. Se´mitic. Applied to the languages of the descendants of Sem, or the Orientals. Se´pal. That part of the calyx of a flower which resembles a leaf. Se´pia. A kind of paint prepared from the cuttle fish. A Ser´pentine. A magnesian rock of various colors, and often speckled like a serpent’s back. It is generally dark green. Se´ptentriona´lis. Lat. Northern. Ser´rate. From the Lat. serra, a saw. Toothed like a saw. Serra´ta. Lat. Serrate. Shaft. A cylindrical hollow space, or pit, in mines, made for the purpose of extracting ores, &c. Shale. An indurated slaty clay, or clay-slate. Shingle. Loose, water-worn gravel and pebbles. Shore´a. Synonym of Vatica. A genus of plants of the family of DiptÉrocÁrpeÆ. Sierra. Span. A mountain chain. Si´lex. From the Gr. chalis, a pebble. The principal constituent of quartz, rock-crystal, and other silicious minerals. Si´lica. Silicious earth: the oxide of silicon (the elementary basis of Silica,) constituting almost the whole of silex or flint. It combines with many of the metallic oxides, and is for this reason sometimes called sili´cic acid. Si´licate. A compound of silicic acid and a base. Plate-glass and window-glass are silicates of soda and potassa; and flint-glass is a similar compound with a large addition of silicate of lead. Sili´cious. Containing silica. Sili´cified. Petrified or mineralized by silicious earth. Silt. The name given to the sand, clay, and earth, which accumulate in running waters. Sili´cium. The metalloid which forms the basis of silica. Silurian system. Series of rocks formerly known as the greywacke series. So called after the Silures or Siluri, the ancient Britons who inhabited the region where these strata are most distinctly developed. They are entirely of marine origin. Silu´rus. A genus of fishes of the family of Silurida. Silva. A forest, or woods. Simu´lium. From the Lat. simulo, I feign. A genus of insects of the order of Diptera. Sine´nsis. Lat. Chinese; belonging or relating to China. Sin´ter. Germ. A scale. Calcareous sinter is a variety of carbonate of lime composed of successive concentric layers. Silicious sinter is a variety of common opal. Sipho´nia. A genus of plants of the family of EuphorbiÁceÆ. Slate. A well known rock which is divisible into thin plates or layers. Smynthus, or Sminthus. From the Gr. sminthos, rat. A genus of rodent mammals. Solfata´ra. Italian. A volcanic vent emitting sulphur and sulphurous compounds. Solida´go. Golden-rod. A genus of plants of the family of CompÓsitÆ. So´mate´ria. Synonym with platypus. A genus of birds. Sopho´ra. A genus of plants of the family LeguminÓsÆ. Spar. (Germ. Spath.) Applied to certain crystalized mineral substances, which easily break into cubic, prismatic, or other forms. Spar´ry. Of the nature of spar. Spe´cies. A kind; a subdivision of genus. Extinct species is a term applied to those kinds of organized beings, whether plants or animals, which are not found living upon the face of the earth. Speci´fic. Relating to species. Specific weight, or SPECIFIC GRAVITY. The relative weight of one body with that of another of equal volume. Specio´sa. Lat. Handsome. A word used as a specific name. Spe´cular iron. A kind of iron ore of granular structure, and metallic lustre, sometimes shining. Specta´bilis. Lat. Visible, remarkable, noteable. Spica´ta. Lat. Having spikes; eared like corn. Spine´lle, or Spine´l. French. A sub-species of ruby. SpirÆ´a. A genus of plants of the family of RosÁceÆ. Spores. The seeds of lichens, and crytÓgamous plants. Sporu´les. The diminutive of spores. Spuma´ceous. From the Lat. spuma, foam. Foamy. Stagma´ria. From the Gr. stagma, a drop. A genus of plants of the family of AnacardiÁceÆ. Stagma´ria verniciflua, a tree of Sumatra, from the bark of which exudes an extremely acrid juice. This juice quickly dries in the air, becomes black, and is sold at a high price; it is employed in the preparation of a varnish. The Sumatrans consider it dangerous to sit or sleep in the shade of this tree. Sta´men. Lat. The male apparatus of a flower. Stape´lia. Proper name. A genus of plants of the family of AsclepiÁdeÆ. Starch. A vegetable substance which exists in many tuberous roots, the stalks of palms, and in the seeds of the cereal grasses. Step´pe. Fr., from the Lat. stipes, a landmark. A term applied to the Savanahs of Tartary, of the Crimea, &c., and salt deserts of Northern Asia. Sti´gma. The superior, terminating part of the pistil of a flower. Stillin´gia. After Dr. Stillingfleet. A genus of plants of the family of EuphorbiÁceÆ. Stillingia sebifera. The tallow tree of China. Stra´ta. Lat. Plural of stratum, a layer, a bed. Stratifica´tion. An arrangement in beds or layers. Stra´tified. Arranged in strata. Stra´tus. A kind of cloud: it consists of horizontal layers, and includes fogs and mists; its under surface usually rests upon the land or sea, and it is therefore the lowest of the clouds. Strelit´zia. After Queen Charlotte, of the family of Mecklenburgh Strelitz. A genus of plants of the family of MusÁceÆ. Stria´ta. Lat. Striated; marked with striÆ. Stron´tium. A metalloid found in the earth called strontia. Stru´thio. Lat. An ostrich. A genus of birds. Stru´theous. Of the nature of an ostrich. Strych´nos. A genus of plants of the family of Apocy´neÆ. Strych´nos toxica´ria. The poison strychnos. Style´dium. From the Gr. stulos, a column. A genus of plants of the family of StylideÆ, found in New Holland. Sublima´tion. The process by which volatile substances are raised by heat, and again condensed into the solid form. The substances so obtained are called sublimates. Sub soil. An under soil. Sub stra´ta. Lat. Plural of substratum, an under layer or bed. Sul´phuret. A compound of sulphur with another solid, as with iron, forming sulphuret of iron. Sul´phuretted. Containing sulphur; as hydrogen, containing sulphur, is called sulphuretted hydrogen. Supe´rba. Lat. Superb, elegant. Suria´na. A genus of plants of the family of SuriÁneÆ; it was formerly of the RosÁceÆ. Sycomo´rus. Lat. The Sycamore; applied also as a specific name. Sy´enite and SI´ENITE. A granite rock from Syene or Siena in Egypt. It consists of quartz, feldspar, and hornblende. It is tougher than granite. Syl´via. Name of a genus of birds. Syngene´sia. From the Gr. sun, together, and geinomai, to grow. Linnean name of a class of plants. Tac´ca. Malay. A genus of plants of the family of AroÏdeÆ. Tac´ca pinnatifida. The Salep tree. Tang´hinia. From the Madagascar name, Tanghing. A genus of plants of the family of Apocy´neÆ. Tang´hinia vene´niflua yields an active poison which is used to cause death, under judicial sentence, by the natives of Madagascar. Tanta´lium. A metal, remarkable for its insolubility in acids. Tan´talus. A genus of birds of the family of Herons. Tata´rica. Lat. Belonging or relating to Tartary. Telesco´pic. Relating to the telescope; telescopic objects are those which may be seen by the aid of a telescope. Tellu´rium. A rare metal, found in the gold mines of Transylvania. Tempera´ture. A definite degree of sensible heat. Tempora´ria. Lat. Temporary; relating to time. Te´nax. Lat. Tenacious. Ter´mes. A genus of insects of the order of Neuroptera, and family of TermitidÆ. White ants. Terra japo´nica. An astringent medicinal gum, obtained from the AcÁcia catechu. Tertiary formation. A series of sedimentary rocks which are superior to the primary and secondary, and distinguished by the fossil remains found in them. Testa´ceÆ. From testa, a shell. TestÁceans; animals provided with an external shelly cover, composed chiefly of carbonate of lime. Testa´ceous. Consisting of carbonate of lime and animal matter. Testu´do. Lat. Tortoise. A genus of reptiles of the order of Chelonians. Te´trago´na. From the Gr. tetra, four, and gonos, angle. Having four angles; applied as a specific name. A genus of plants of the family of PortulÁceÆ. The´a. A genus of plants of the tribe of CamelleÆ. The´a bohea, Bohea tea; Thea viridis, Green tea. The´ine. The proximate principle of tea. Ther´mal. From the Gr. thermos, heat. Warm; belonging or relating to heat. Tho´rium. A metal obtained from Thorina, an earthy substance. Thu´ia, also Thu´ja. A genus of plants of the family of Coni´ferÆ. Thuia articulata. Jointed arbor vitÆ. T. orientalis; Chinese arbor vitÆ. T. sandarach, Shittim wood. Tidal. Relating to tides. Tidal wave is the elevation of the water of the ocean, produced by the attraction of the moon. Tilland´sia. A genus of plants of the family of BromeliÁceÆ. Tita´nium. A metal discovered in 1781, by W. Gregor, in a ferruginous sand. To´dus. A genus of birds of the order of PasserinÆ. To´paz. A crystalized mineral, harder than quartz, of a yellow wine color. Torsion balance. See, Balance. Tou´rmaline. A mineral substance consisting of a Boro-silicate of alumine, harder than quartz, but not as hard as topaz. Tournfo´rtia. After Tournefort. A genus of plants of the family of Borragi´neÆ. Tra´chyte. From the Gr. trachus, rough. A variety of lava. A feldspathic rock, which often contains glassy feldspar and hornblende. When the feldspar crystals are thickly and uniformly disseminated, it is called trachytic porphyry. Trap. From the Swedish trappa, a flight of stairs, because trap rocks frequently occur in large tabular masses rising one above another like the successive steps of a stair-case. Applied to certain igneous rocks composed of feldspar, angite, and hornblende. Tra´ppean. Belonging to trap rocks. Trema´ndra. A genus of plants of the family of TremÁndrea. Trias. From the Lat. tres, three. Synonym of the triÁssic system of rocks, consisting of the Bunter sandstein, the Muschelkalk, and Keuper, a group of sandy marls of variegated colors. Tricho´manes. From the Gr. trichos, hair, and mania, madness, excess. A genus of plants of the class of Crytoga´mia. Tricho´manes brevise´tum. Short-styled trichÓmanes. Tricy´rtis. From the Gr. treis, three, and kurtis, a sack or pouch. A genus of plants of the family of MelanthÁceÆ. Tridenta´ta. Lat. Three-toothed; having three teeth. Tri´gonoce´phalus. From the Gr. treis, three, gonos, an angle, and kephale, head. A genus of very venemous serpents. Tri´gonoce´phalus lanceola´tus. Lance-head viper. Tri´lobite. From the Lat. tres, three, and lobus, lobe. A genus of fossil crustÁceans. Trio´nyx. From the Gr. treis, three, and onux, a nail. A genus of Chelonians. Tu´fa. Italian. A volcanic rock, composed of an agglutination of fragmented scoriÆ. Tung´sten. Swedish. Heavy stone. A metal which is hard, white, brittle, and difficult to fuse. Tu´rquoise. A blue mineral found in Persia; its color depends on the presence of oxide of copper. Um´bel. A form of inflorescence, in which several peduncles expand so as to produce a flower somewhat resembling a parasol when open. Umbelli´ferÆ. From umbel, screen, and fero, I bear. Name of a family of plants. Umbelli´ferous. Belonging or relating to UmbelliferÆ. Uncina´ta. Lat. From uncus, a hook. Hooked; having hooks. Upheaval. The elevation of land by earthquakes. Ura´nium. A metal discovered by Klaproth, in 1789. Ursi´nus. Lat. Belonging or relating to bears. U´sneoides. From u´sne, a kind of lichen, and the Gr. eidos, resemblance. Resembling the u´sne. U´rens. Lat. Burning. Va´cuum. From the Lat. vacuus, empty. A portion of space void of matter. Vagina´lis. Lat. From vagina, a sheath. A genus of birds. Vana´dium. A silvery white metal, discovered originally by Del Rio, in 1801, but not admitted until 1830. Vane´ssa. A genus of butterflies. Vanessa cardui, the painted lady butterfly. Vero´nica. A genus of plants of the family of ScropularÍnÆ. Ve´rtebra. From the Lat. vertere, to turn. A joint or bone of the spine. Vertebral column, is the spine or back bone. Ver´tebrate. Having vertebrÆ, or a spine. Verticose. Whorl-like. Vene´niflua. Lat. Flowing with poison. Verni´ciflua. Lat. Flowing with varnish. Ver´nix. Lat. Varnish. Villo´sus. Lat. Velvety. Vi´ridis. Lat. Green. Vi´tex. Chaste-tree. A genus of plants of the family of VerbenÁceÆ. Vit´rified. From the Lat. vitrea, glass. Converted into glass. Vituli´na. From the Lat. vitulus, a sea calf. Belonging or relating to seals. Vivipa´rum. Lat. Viviparous. Volca´nic. Belonging or relating to volcanoes. Volta´ic. Applied to electricity produced after the manner of Volta, an Italian philosopher. Vultur papa. The king of vultures. Watershed. The general declivity of the face of a country which determines the direction of the flowing of water. Weald. Name of a part of Kent and Surrey in England. The Wealden clay and Wealden deposit are found in this part of England. Xanthox´ylum. From the Gr. xanthos, yellow, xulon, wood. Tooth-ache tree. A genus of plants of the family of RutÁceÆ. Yerba mate. Spanish name of the Ilex paraguensis. Ytt´rium. A metal discovered by WÖhler, in 1828; it is of a dark gray color and brittle. Yuc´ca. Adam’s needle. A genus of plants of the family of LiliÁceÆ. It yields an esculent root. Za´mia. A genus of plants of the family of CycÁdeÆ. Zanniche´llia. After Zannichella, a Venetian apothecary. Pond weed. A genus of plants of the family of Naiades. Zirco´nium. A metal found in zirconia, an earth, discovered by Klaproth in 1789. Zi´zyphus. A genus of plants of the family of Rhamni. Z. jujuba, yields the jujube fruit. Zoste´ra. From the Gr. zoster, a riband. Sea-wrack grass. A genus of plants of the family of Fluviales. Zo´ology. From the Gr. zo´on, an animal, and logos, a discourse. That branch of Natural History which treats of animals. Zo´ophyte. From the Gr. zo´on, an animal, and phuton, a plant. An animal without vertebrÆ, or extremities, that attaches itself to solid bodies, and seems to live and vegetate like a plant. |
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