pachyderm: Large mammal with thick skin, especially an elephant, rhinoceros, or hippopotamus. Greek “pachy”=thick” + “dermos”=skin.
pachyemous: Having think blood.Greek “pachyaimos”=thick blooded < “pachy”=thick + “aimo”=blood.
paddle: Small blade – usually wooden – used to propel a kayak or canoe. From Latin “patella”=short oar with blade.
pagan: Person holding religious beliefs other than those of a main world religion. Latin “paganus”=villager < “pagus”=country district.
pageant: Brilliant or stately spectacle arranged for effect. Partly Anglo-Norman “pagyn”=stage, play and Latin < “pagina”=a play.
pail: Open topped containing with handle; a bucket. Middle English “payel” < Old French “paelle”=bucket < Latin “patella”=small dish.
pain: Ache or bodily suffering, or an instance of this; an unpleasant sensation. From Greek “poine”=punishment or penalty.
pain: Intense bodily discomfort caused by illness or injury. Middle English “pane” < Anglo-Norman “peine” < Latin “poena”=punishment.
paint: To mark a surface with coloring material. Old French “peindre” < Latin “pingere”=to paint < pre-Germanic “*poiko”=colored, stained.
palace: Large, splendid residence or building. Old French “palais” < Latin “Palatium”=one of the seven hills of Rome where the Emperor lived
palanquin: A closed litter carried on the shoulders of four bearers. From Portuguese “palanquim” < Hindi “palaki” < Sanskrit “palyanka”=bed
palaver: A dispute, quarrel, or misunderstanding; a fuss. West African pidgin < Portuguese “palavra”=word, talk < Latin “parabol”=discourse.
pale: Light in color or lacking color. Old French “pale”=of a whitish complexion < Latin “pallidus”=pale, colorless < “pallere”=to be pale.
palindrome: Word reading the same in both directions. Greek “palindromos” = run nack again < “palin”=again + “dramein”=to run.
palliate: Reduce the effects of illness without curing them. From Latin “palliatus”=cloaked < “pallium”=a cloak worn by philosophers.
palliative: A remedy or medicine. French “palliatif” < Latin “palliare”=to cloak, cover.
palm: Flat of the hand. From Latin “palma”=palm of the hand. The leaf is so called because it looks like a hand and its palm.
palynology: The study of pollen grains and spores. Greek “palunein”=to sprinkle < “pali”=fine dust + “-ology”=the study of.
panache: Flamboyant confidence of style. Middle French “panache”=plume of feathers < Italian “pennacchio” < Latin “pinnaculum”=feather.
panchreston: A universal remedy or medicine. Greek “pan”=all + “krestos”=useful.
panchymagogue: A medicine for purging bad fluids from the body. Greek “pan”=all + “chima”=fluid + “agogus”=leading, guiding.
panda: Large black and white bear-like animal that lives in the mountains of China. From Nepali “panda”=name of the animal
pandemonium: Wild uproar with anger and confusion. From “pan”=all + “demon”=demon. Literally the home of all demons.
pander: Cater to the lower tastes, or act as go-between in a sexual liaison. From Latin “Pandarus,” name of a character from Chaucer
pangram: piece of text with all the letters of the alphabet: From Greek “pan”=all + “gramma”= letters. “NBC glad. Why? Fox TV jerks quiz PM.”
panguingue: Card game of Filipino origin, resembling gin rummy, usually played with eight or ten decks. Tagalog “pangginggi.”
Panjandrum: Mocking title for a pompous, pretentious official. Nonsense word coined 1754 by dramatiste Samuel Foote. “pan”=all < Greek “pan.”
pantaloon: A feeble old man; a fool. Eponym from Pantalone, a comic character in c16th Italian comedy who is “a lean, foolish old man.”
pantomancer: One who tells the future. Greek “panto”=all + “manteia”=prophet or seer.
pantomime: Performance using gestures and body movements without words. From Greek “panto”=all + “mimos”=performer/performance.
pants: Trousers. From Italian “Pantaloun,” name of a comedic character who wore tight trousers over skinny legs < city San Pantalone
parable: Short moral story, often with animal characters. From Latin “parabola”=comparison < Greek “para”=beside + “bole”=throw.
paradise: Place of ideal beauty or loveliness.From Old Iranian “pairidaeza”=walled enclosure. “pairi-”=around” + “diz”=to create/make.
parador: Hotel in Spain, government owned. Catalan “parar”=to stop < Latin “parere”=to make ready or furnish.
paralipsis: Draw attention to a thing by pretending not to e.g. “not to mention..: Greek “para”=aside+”leipein”=to leave.
paralytic: Extremely drunk. Anglo-Norman “paralitik” < Latin “paralyticus”=person with paralysis < Greek “para=beside + “luein”=loosen.
paramour: A lover. Middle English “paramoire” < Old French “par amour”=”par”=by + “amour”=love.
paranormal: Events assumed to be outside of scientific explanation. From Latin “para”=above/against + “norma”=rule.
paraphernalia: Things needed for a specific task. From Greek “paraferna”=married woman’s property < “para”=beside + “ferni”=dowry.
paraphilia: Abnormal sexual desires, love of perversions. Greek “para”=beside, alongside + “philos”=loving.
parapraxis: unconscious error or blunder. Freud used it to describe his “Freudian slips.” From Latin “para”=beside + Greek “praxis”=act.
paraskevidekatriophobia: Fear of Friday 13th. From Greek “paraskevi”=Friday + “dekatria”=thirteen + “phobia”=fear.
parasol: Small, lightweight shade form the sun. From Italian “parasole”=sun-umbrella < Latin “para-”=against + “sol”=sun.
paregoric: A pain-relieving medicine. Latin “paregoricus”=soothing < Greek “paregorikos” < “para”=like + “agorenein”=speaking to the crowd.
pareidolia: Perceiving patterns where none exist. Type I error in statistical terms. From Greek “para”=wrong/faulty + “eidolon”=image.
parent: General name for a father or a mother. From Latin “parens”=father or mother < “parere”=to bring forth or beget.
parliament: Formal conference or council; executive legislature of the UK. From Old French “parler”=to speak + “-ment”=noun-forming suffix.
parody: Comic imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre. Greek “parodia”=burlesque poem < “para”=beside + “oide”=ode
parsnip: Long cream-colored, sweet-tasting root veg. Old French “pasnaie” < Latin “pastinaca” < “pastinare”=to prepare ground for planting.
particle: A tiny piece of matter. Middle French “particule”=small part < Latin “particula”=diminutive of “pars”=a piece.
partridge: Short-tailed chubby game bird in Eurasia. Latin “perdix” < Greek “perdiks”=partridge < “perdesthai”=fart (sound bird makes)
paschal: Related to Easter or Passover. From Latin “pascha”=Easter < Greek “paska”=Passover < Aramaic < “pasah”=to pass over.
pasta: Italian food made from flour, eggs, and water and cut into various shapes. From Latin “pasta”=paste < Greek “pasta”=barley porridge
pastel: Crayon made of powdered pigments bound with gum or resin. Italian “pastello”=paste < Latin “pasta”=a paste.
pastiche: Work (musical, novel, art, etc.) made from a mixture of styles. Italian “pasticcio”=a confused affair < Latin “pasticium”=a pie.
pathopeia: Speech or article design to arouse emotions. Greek “patho-”=pertaining to emotions and passions + “poios”=making.
pathopeia: Speech or article design to arouse emotions. Greek “patho-”=pertaining to emotions and passions + “poios”=making.
pathos: Quality that a person or situation has that makes you feel pity and sadness. From Greek “pathos”+suffering or emotion.
patience: Capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering. Latin “patiens”=capable of enduring hardship, tolerant.
pea: Round green seed which is eaten as a vegetable. Back-formed from Old English “pise” < Latin “pisum” < Greek “pisos”=pulse, pea.
peace: Absence or strife, war, or worry; sense or calm. From Old French “pais”=tranquility between individuals < Latin “pax”=peace.
peak: Top of a mountain or projecting point. Variation of “pike”=sharp spike < Middle Dutch “pike”=pickaxe. Similar forms in other languages
pear: Fruit with round base and thinner top. Old English “pere” < Latin “pirum”=pear < Greek “apion”=pear (‘”apiod”=pear-shaped)
pearl: Hard, round, shiny gem found inside oysters. Old French “perle” < Latin “perna”=marine bivalve shaped like a leg of mutton.
peccadillo: Minor fault or sin; trivial offense. From Latin “pecado” < a sin < “peccatum”=moral lapse, error.
peccadillo: Petty misdeed; a personal fault or an idiosyncrasy. From Latin “peccatum “=sin + diminutive +-illo”=small.
pecuarious: Related to animals, especially cattle. Latin “pecuarius” < “pecu”=flock/herd + “-ous”suffix meaning “full of.”
peculation: The illegal taking of public funds. Latin “peculatio”=embezzlement < “peculari”=to defraud < “peculium”=money or property.
pedagogue: Teacher of young people. From Greek “paidagogos”=slave who lead children to school < “pais”=boy + “agogos”=lead.
pedal: A foot-operated lever. French “pedale”=pedal on a musical instrument < Latin “pedalis”=a foot in length < “ped”=foot.
pedant: Person who pays too much attention to rules or to small details. From Greek “paidagogos” < “pais”=child + “agogos”=leader.
peddle: To sell goods or an idea. Middle English “pedder”=a traveling seller< Latin “pedarian”=low rank Senator who could vote but not speak
pediatrician: Medical specialist who deals with children. From Greek “ped/pais”=child or boy + “iatreia”=treatment.
pedicure: Cosmetic care or treatment of the foot. From Latin “pedis”=foot + “curare”=to care for.
pedicure: Treatment for the feet, toes, and nails. From Latin “pedicure” < “pedis”=foot + “cura”=care. Lit. “care of the foot.”
peek: To look quickly at something, usually without permission. Possibly from Middle Dutch “kiekan” or Low German “kikan”=to peep
peep: Quick or furtive look. Uncertain origin, perhaps related to “keek” < Low German “kiken”=to look furtively, as through a hole.
pejorative: Word with an insulting or disparaging sense. From Latin “perjoratus”=made worse.
pelerine: A woman’s narrow cape. French “pelerine” < “pelerin” < Anglo-Norman “pilgrim”=traveler, stranger, Pilgrims would wear capes.
pellucid: Very clear; transparent. From Latin “pellucidus”<”pellucere”=to shine through < “per”=through + “lucere”=to shine.
pelotherapy: The application of mud or similar to the body as a therapeutic treatment. Greek “pylos”=clay, mud + “therapeia”=healing.
pen: Instrument for writing or drawing with ink. Old French “penne”=writing tool made from a long feather < Latin “penna”=feather.
penchant: A strong liking or tendency. Middle French “pencher”= have an inclination for < Latin “pendare”=to hang
pencil: Drawing instrument made of wood with graphite in the middle. Old French “pinsel” < Latin “peniculus”= brush < “penis”=tail.
penguin: Large black and white Antarctic sea bird. Welsh “pen gwyn” < “pen”=head, headland + “gwyn”=white.
peninsula: Piece of land almost completely surrounded by water but still joined. From Latin “pene-”=nearly/almost + “insula”=an island.
penitent: Feeling or expressing remorse for wrong-doings. From Latin “paeniteo”=to feel or cause regret.
penny: English coin original 1/12th of a shilling or 1/240th of a pound; American dialect for “cent.” From Old English “pening”=penny.
penury: State of extreme poverty or destitution. Middle French “pénurie” < Latin “penuria”=want, need.
peon: Underling, lackey, someone of low rank. French “pion”=foot soldier < Anglo-Norman “paun”=pawn < Latin “ped”=foot.
pepo: a fleshy fruit with a hard rind and many seeds, such as a melon. From Greek “pepon”=melon. Modern Greek word for melon is “peponi.”
pepper: Powder that is used to add a hot taste to food. Old English “pipor” < Greek “peperi” < Sanskrit “pippali”=berry, peppercorn.
perdition: Complete destruction or failure. From Latin “perdition”=total ruin, loss, hell < “per-”=away + “dare”=to give + “-ion”=state of
peregrinate: To travel from place to place. From Latin “peregrinari”=to travel abroad < “peregrere”=abroad < “per”=through + “ager”=field.
perfume: Liquid used by people to make them smell good. Middle French “parfumer” < Latin “par”=by + “fumigare”=to smoke (wood, making scent)
perfunctory: Hasty and without attention to detail. Latin “perfungi”=to perform < “per”=go through + fungi”=perform.
perigee: Point in moon’s orbit where it is nearest to the earth. Greek “perigeion”=close around the earth < “peri”=around + “gaia”=earth.
peril: State of being in serious and immediate danger. Old French “peril”=risk, danger < Latin “periclum”=test < “experiri”=to try.
periphrasis: Using many words when few would work; circumlocution. From Greek “periphrasis” < “peri-”=round, around + “phrazein”=to speak.
periscii: Inhabitant of the polar regions. Greek “peri”=point around which something orbits + “skia”=shadow. Shadow revolves around person.
perjury: Crime of telling a lie under oath. Anglo-Norman “perjurie” < Latin “periurium”=oath-breaking < “per”=to ill effect + “jurare”=swear
perorate: To speak at length; deliver an oration. Latin “perorare”=argue to the end < “per”=through + “orare”=to speak.
persnickety: Worrying too much about trivial details. Alteration of “pernickety” (1808) and of uncertain origin, possibly Scottish.
perspicacious: Acutely insightful and wise. Latin “perspicere”=look through < “per”=through + “specere”=to look + “ious”=full of.
perverse: Turning away from what is judged to be right or good. From Latin “pervertere” < “per-”=away + “vertere”=to turn.
pesky: Troublesome; confounding; annoying; disagreeable. Middle French “peste”=troublemaker < Latin “pestis”=plague + “-y”=adjective suffix.
peso: Currency of Mexico and other Central/Southern American countries. Spanish “peso”=weight < Latin “pendere”=to weigh.
pester: Annoy someone with frequent requests or interruptions. Middle French “empestrer”=to impede or block.
petrichor: Smell of the first rain after a hot, dry period. From Greek “petro”=rock + “ichor”=mythical blood of the gods. Lit. rock’s blood
petrify: Turn into stone. Latin “petrificare”=to turn into stone < “petra”=stone, rock < Greek “petros”=stone or “petra”=rock.
petty: Small and unimportant. From Old French “petit”=not yet fully grown (as of people) – later used for small size in general.
petulant: Childish, sulky, given to argument and bad temper. Middle French “pétulant” < Latin “petulans”=impudent, wanton < “petere”=to seek.
phallic: Relating to the penis. Stage in psychosexual development. Greek “phallikos” < “phallos”=penis + “-ikos”=adjectival suffix.
phallophobia: Fear of penises, especially erect ones. From Greek “phallus”=penis + Greek “phobos”=fear/flight.
phantom: Ghost/spectre. From Old French “fantosme”=supernatural apparition < Greek “phantasma”=vision/appearance < “phantazein”=make visible
pharmacist: One who prepares and dispenses medicine. From Latin “pharmacia”=drug preparation < Greek “pharmakeia”=use of poison, witchcraft
Philadelphia: Largest city in Pennsylvania, USA. From Greek “philos”=loving + “adelphos”=brother.
philargyry: The love of money. Latin “philargyria” < Greek “filarguria” < “filo-”=dear, friend + “arguros”=silver, money.
phillipic: Bitter attack or denunciation. Greek “Fillipos”=name of Philip II of Macedon, from speeches made against him in by Demosthenes.
phony (phoney): Fake, not real, sham, counterfeit. Possibly from “fawney”=brass ring used by cheats (1781) < Irish “fainne”-ring.
phrenology: Using the shape of the head to determine a person’s character. Greek “phreno+of the mind + “-logy”=study of.
phrontistery: Place for thinking and studying. Greek “phrontisterion”=thinking shop< “phrontist”=thinker < “phrontis”=thought < “phren”=mind.
phylactery: A charm against bad luck. Latin “phylacterium”=container for holy relic < Greek “phulakterion”=amulet < “phulassein”=to guard
pi: Number equal to the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. Introduced 1706 as abbr. Greek “peripheria”=circumference.
piano: Keyboard instrument where each key hits a string of different notes. Shortened Italian “piano e forte” – “soft and loud.”
picaroon: Pirate or pirate ship. From c15th Spanish “picaro”=rogue or bohemian.
pickle: Preserve food in vinegar, brine, or a similar solution. Middle English “pykyl” < Middle Dutch “pekel”=a sauce for preserving.
pigment: Natural substance that gives plant and animal matter color. Latin “pigmentum” < “pingere”=to paint + “-ment”=noun-forming suffix.
pigritude: Laziness, sloth. Latin “pigritudo”=laziness < “piger”=lazy + “-itude”=suffix indicating sickness/infirmity.
pilgrim: Person who journeys to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion. Old French “pilegrin” < Latin “peregrine”=foreigner.
piliferous: Having hair; being covered in hair. From Latin “pilus”=hair + “-iferous” < “ferre”=to bear + “-ous”=abounding in.
pilimiction: The presence of hair in the urine. Latin “pilus”=hair + “mict-”=past part. of “meiere”=to urinate + “-ion”=noun-forming suffix
pine: Evergreen coniferous tree with needle-shaped leaves. Latin “pinus” < Greek “pitus”=pine tree.
pingitude: Fatness, obesity. Latin “pinguitudo”=plumpness, greasiness, oiliness < “pinguis”=fat + “-tude”=noun-forming suffix.
pingo: A peak of rock that is covered by ice but remains distinguishable. Inuit “pingu”=hillock, mound.
pioneer: Person who is the first to enter or settle a region. Middle French “pionnier” < Old French “peon”=walker + “ier”=person suffix.
pious: Devoutly religious. Middle French “pius” < Latin “pius”=dutiful,
piper: One who plays a pipe, esp. bagpipes. Old English “pipian”=a pipe < Latin “pipare”=to peep, chirp like a bird < onomatopoeia.
pipient: Demanding of attention in a noisy, insistent way. Latin “pipire”=to cheep like a baby bird.
piquant: Having a sharp, appetizing flavor. Middle French “piquant”=sharp point < “piquer”=to prick, pierce, or sting.
pique: Feeling of being annoyed, commonly used in the phrase “a fit of pique.” From Middle French “pique”=quarrel or resentment.
pirate: Someone who robs while at sea. From Greek “peirates”=brigand/robber, which in turn is from “peira”=plot or attack.
piscaca: An evil spirit or demon. Sanskrit “pisaca”=demon, fiend, ogre.
pisher: A young, inexperienced, or insignificant person. Yiddish “pisher”=little squirt, pisser < Middle High German “pissen”=to piss.
pithy: Concise, succinct; condensed in style; pointed, terse, aphoristic. Old English “pitha”=kernal of a fruit.
pixie: Mythical tiny, magical, human-like being. Likely to be from Old English “puca”=mischievous devil.
pixie: Mythical tiny, magical, human-like being. Likely to be from Old English “puca”=mischievous devil.
pizza: Flat bread topped with tomato and other foods, originally from Italy. From Latin “piza”=flat bread < ?Greek “pita”=bread, often flat
placate: Cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of; make peaceful. Latin “placare”=to appease, pacify.
placate: Make a person more peaceful; pacify. Latin “placare”=to appease, make more favorably disposed. Related to “placere”=to please.
placebo: Harmless substance given to sick person to test against a real medicine. From Latin “placebo”=I shall be pleasing.
plackless: Without money (rare). Middle Dutch “placke”=small coin + Old English “leas”=free from.
plagiarism: Passing someone else’s work of as ones own; copying. Latin “plagiarius”=kidnapper < Greek “plagios”=crooked, bent.
planet: Celestial body that orbits a star. Old French “planete” < Latin “planeta” < Greek “planetes”=wandering star < “planan”=to wander.
plangent: Adjective to describe a loud, melancholy sound. Latin “plangere”=to strike noisily, lament < Greek “plessein”=to strike.
platitude: Dull, trivial, pointless statement. French “platitude” < Latin “plattus”=flat + “-itudo”=suffix meaning “having the quality of.”
platitude: Worn out statement; banal or trite. From French “platitude”=flatness < “plat”=flat + “-itude”=added to be like “attitude.”
plaudit: An expression of praise; sign of approval. Latin “plaudite”=applaud! < “plaudere”=to clap hands, to strike.
pleniloquence: Excessive speaking; loquacity. Latin “pleni-”=full + “loquentia” < “loqui”=to speak.
plenitude: A great sufficiency; state of being full. From Latin “plenitudo”=fullness, completeness < “plenus”=full + “-tude”=abstract noun.
plethora: Large or excessive amount of something. Latin “plethora” < Greek “plythora”=fullness < “plythein”=to be full.
plotz: To demonstrate or exhibit extreme anger, surprise. Yiddish “platsn”=crack, split < Middle High German “platzen”=to burst.
ploy: A cunning scheme or maneuver. From Old French “emplier”=to use for a purpose < Latin “implicare” < “in-”=into “plicare”=to fold.
plum: Oval, soft fruit with hard stone, often reddish-purple. Old English “plume” < Latin “pruna” < Greek “prounon”=plum (tree).
plumage: Light horny waterproof external cover for birds. From Old French “plume”=feather < Latin “pluma”=feather.
plumb: To measure the depth of a body of water. Anglo-Norman “plom”=lead weight used for measurement < Latin “plumbum”=lead.
plunder: Property acquired illegally and violently. German “plundern”=to rob of household goods” < “plunder”=household effects.
pluviculture: The art or science of rainmaking. From Latin “pluvia”=rain + “cultura”=cultivation or land. Hence cultivation of rain.
poach: To cook an egg gently in hot liquid below the boiling point. Middle French “pocher” < “poche”=a bag (yolk is in a bag of white fluid)
podiatry: Medical treatment of ailments of the foot. From Greek “pod”=foot + “iatreia”=treament.
podium: Small platform for speaker, conductor, contest winner. Latin “podium” < Greek “podion”=small foot < “pous/pod”=foot.
poem: Piece of rhythmic writing that expresses emotions, experiences, ideas. Latin “poema” < Greek “poiema”=fiction < “poiein”=to create.
poet: One who writes verse. Latin “poeta”=writer of verse < Greek “poitis”=maker, author < “poein”=to make, create, compose.
pogonotomy: Shaving. The act of cutting off a beard. Greek “pogon”=beard + “-tomos”=cutting.
pogonotrophy: The art of growing and cultivating a beard. Greek “pogon”=beard + “trophia”=related to growth and nutrition.
poinsettia: Mexican plant with red leaves used a a Christmas decoration. Names after US ambassador to Mexico, Joel Poinsett (1779-1851).
poison: Chemical that causes death in living organisms. Old French “poisun”=magic potion < Latin “potion”=potion < “potare”=to drink
poker: Card game where players compete to make best hand to win all the stakes. From French “poquer”=similar game OR German “pochen”=to brag
poker: Common betting-based card game involving bluffing. French “poque,” a similar game < German “pochen”=to brag, boast, insist.
pole: Upright stick often used as a support. Anglo-Norman “pal”=stake < Latin “palus”=wooden post used by Romans in fighting practice.
poll: Count of votes or opinions. From Middle Dutch “pol”=head, top. Early Modern Dutch “polle”=hair on the head. Lit. counting of heads.
poll: Count of votes or opinions. From Middle Dutch “pol”=head, top. Early Modern Dutch “polle”=hair on the head. Lit. counting of heads.
pomarious: Of or belonging to an orchard. Latin “pomarius”=related to fruit < “pomum”=fruit + “-ous”=suffix meaning full of or abounding in.
pomp: A ceremony and splendid display, especially at a public event. Anglo-Norman “pompe” < Latin “pompa”=procession < Greek “pompi”=parade.
Pomposo: Self-important egotistical person. Latin “pomposus”=full of ceremony < Greek “pompi”=a sending away or parade < “pompein”=to send.
ponder: Spend time thinking carefully and seriously about a problem. From Latin “ponderare”=to consider < “pondus”=weigh.
ponder: To think over, to reflect upon. Middle French “ponderer”=to assess or mentally appraise < Latin “pondus” = weight, importance.
poodle: Breed of dog with tight curly hair, often decoratively cut. Low German “pudelhund” < “puddeln”=to splash + “hund”=dog – a water dog
poop: Top rear deck of a ship. Old French “pupe” < Latin “puppis”=the stern.
poor: Lacking material possessions or money; poverty. From Latin “pauper”=poor; perhaps from “paucus”=little + “parere”=to get.
poppycock: nonsense, junk, twaddle. From Dutch pappekak=”soft dung” – “pap”=soft + “kak”=dung.
porcupine: Large rodent with spines on the body and tail. Old French “porc espin” < Latin “porcus”=pig + “spina”=thorn. Lit. spiny pig.
pore: (noun) Small hole in the skin that sweat comes through; or small hole in a plant’s leaf. From Greek “poros”=passage/way.
pore: (verb) To read over text in great detail and with lots of attention. From Middle English “pouren”=look closely
pork: Flesh of pig used as food. Anglo-Norman “porc” < Latin “porcus”=pig. Same root as Greek “porkos”=pig.
porriginous: Scaly or scurfy, like porrigo. Latin “porrigo”=any skin disease with flakes e.g. dandruff + “-ous”=full of, characterised by.
port: Place where ships can be loaded and unloaded. From Old English “port”=harbor/haven < Latin “portus”=harbor, originally entrance.
postil: Marginal note in a biblical text. Middle French “postille” < Latin “post illa”= after those < “post”=after + “ille”=”that man.”
potato: Starchy vegetable tuber. Spanish “patate” < variant of “batata”=sweet potato plant.
potter: (a) one who makes pottery. From Latin “potarius”=pot. (b) to busy oneself in a trifling way. From Old English “potian”=push.
pottle: Small conical basket used for holding strawberries or other soft fruit. Anglo-Norman “potel”=bottle, flask < Latin “pottus”=vessel
pour: Make a liquid or other substance flow from or into a container. From Old French “purer”=pour out < Latin “purare”=purify.
prandicle: Small meal. Latin “prandiculum”=light meal < “prandium”=lunch + “-cule”=diminutive suffix.
prayer: A request or thanks to an object of worship. Old French “preere”=petition, request < Latin “precarius”=obtained by prayer.
predilection: A strong liking for something. From Latin “praediligere” = “pre-”=before + “diligere”=to love.
preen: To spend time making yourself look attractive. Anglo-Norman “proign-” < Old French “pouroindre”=coat feathers with oil (like a bird)
prefract: Stubborn or obstinate. Latin “praefractus”=stern < “praefringere”=to break off at the end < “pre-”=before + “frangere”=to break.
premonition: A feeling that something is about to happen; a sign. Latin “pre-”=before + “monere”=to warn.
prescribe: To set out a rule or a course of action. From Latin “praescribere”=to write before < “prae-”before + “scribere”=to write
prestidigitation: Conjuring, sleight-of-hand, magic. Latin “praesto”=ready at hand + “digitus”=finger + “-ation”=noun denoting an action.
prestige: Commanding and authoritative; impressive reputation. From Middle French “prestige”=a magic trick < Latin “praestigia”=an illusion.
pretentious: Trying to impress by pretending to be smarter than you are. From Latin “praetendere”=to put forward a claim; to allege.
pretzel: Bread or cracker toasted in the shape of a knot. Something twisted/tangled. From German “brezel” < Latin “bracchiolum”=little arm.
preux: Gallant and chivalrous. French “preux” < Middle French “preus”=proud, valiant, or brave.
pride: An excessively high opinion of oneself or importance. Old English “pryde” < Old French “prud”=valiant < Latin “prodesse”=be of value
prim: Stiffly formal and respectable. Old French “prin”=excellent, delicate < Latin “primus”=first.
prince: Son of a monarch. Old French “prince” < Latin “princips”=first, leader < “primus”=first + “capere”=to take (lit. “first taker”).
principal: Head of a school.or college. Old French “principal” < Latin “principalis”=first, original” < “princip-”=first, chief.
principle: A moral rule or belief in what is right and wrong.Latin “principium”=source < “principia”=foundations < “princip-”=first, head.
probity: Complete integrity; having strong moral principles. Middle French “probité”=integrity < Latin “probus”=upright, honest.
proclivity: An inclination toward something. From Latin “proclivitas”=downward slope < “pro”=before+ “clivus”=slope + “-ty”=condition of.
procrastinate: to put off or avoid, especially an unpleasant task. From Latin “pro”=forward + “crastinus”=of tomorrow. “cras”=tomorrow.
prodigal: Person who lives a reckless lifestyle. Middle French “prodigal”=lavish < Latin “pro-”=forth + “agere”=to drive. Lit. “drive forth”
prodigious: Far beyond usual in terms of magnitude or degree. From Latin “prodigium”=omen, something extraordinary, freak.
profit: Money gained from selling something. Anglo-Norman “profit”=a gain < Latin “proficere”=to advance < “pro”=on behalf + “facere”=to do
profligate: A recklessly extravagant consumer. Latin “profligare”=to defeat, subdue, or waste < Greek “flibein”=to rub, chafe.
progenitor: Person from whom one is descended. From Latin “progenitor” < “pro-”=out + “gignere”=to beget + “-or”=noun creating suffix.
progress: To go forward; to advance. From Latin “progredi”=to step forward < “pro-”=forward + “gradi”=to step or walk.
progress: To move ahead toward a goal. From Latin “progressus” < “progredi” < “pro-”=forward + “gradi”=to step or walk.
prolific: Bearing in abundance, especially offspring. Latin “prolificus”=capable of producing offspring < “proles”=offspring.
prolix: Given to using long words. Middle French “prolixe”=lengthy discourse < Latin “prolixus” < “pro”=out + “liquere”=to flow.
promethean: Original.creative; or audacious. From Greek “Prometheus,” demi-god who stole fire from the gods < “promethis”=forethinking.
promontory: Point of high land that juts out into the sea. From Latin “prominere” to jut forward < “pro”=before + “mons”=mount.
propensity: A natural inclination. Latin “propendere”=to hang down/forward < “pro”=forward + “pendere”=to hang + “ity”=state of.
proper: Of a person, behaving according to social norms or polite usage. Old French “propre”=private, personal < Latin “proprius”=suitable.
prophet: Person who claims to know the future or a god’s will. Latin “propheta” < Greek “prophetes”=spokesman < “pro”=before+”phetes”=speak
prosaic: Commonplace or dull; matter-of-fact; unimaginative. Middle French “prosaique”=ordinary < Latin “prosa”=not verse.
proscribe: Ban or forbid something. From Latin “proscribere” < “pro-”+before + “scribere”=to write. Literally “put in writing”
protagonist: Person who takes the lead; central figure of a narrative. Greek “proto”=first + “agonistis”=combatant in games.
protract: To prolong in space and time; to extend forward. From Latin “protrahere”=lengthening < “pro-”=forward + “trahere”=to draw.
provocateur: Person who causes trouble or dissent. From Latin “provocator” < “provocare”=to provoke + “-tor” person suffix
psalloid: Resembling a harp or string instrument. Latin “psalloides” < Greek “psallein”=to twang, play, or twitch.
psittacistic: given to long, repetitive, boring speech. From Latin “psittac(us)=parrot + “-icus”=having characteristics of.
psychic: Someone claiming to have paranormal ability. From Greek “psykhikos”=of the mind or soul.
psychokinesis: Claimed power to move objects by thought alone. Greek “psycho-”=of the mind + “kinisis”=motion.
ptarmigan: Northern grouse of mountainous and Arctic regions. Scottish Gaelic “tarmachan” < ?”tarmaich”=to collect, gather (in a huddle?)
pudify: To cause to be embarrassed.Latin “pudere”=to make or be ashamed + “-ify”=suffix meaning to bring into a state of something.
puerile: Childish, immature, or trivial; pertaining to childhood. From Latin “puerelis” < “puer”=child or boy.
puerile: Displaying a lack of maturity. Middle French “pueril”=suitable for children < Latin “puerilis”=immature <”puer”=child
pulicide: The act of killing a flea. From Latin “pulex”=flea + “-cide”=”killer, slayer, or cutter.
pulverulent: Dusty, covered in powder. Latin “pulverulentus”=dusty, gritty < “pulvis”=dust + “-ulent”=adject-forming suffix.
pumpkin: Large, round, orange, edible fruit with many seeds, symbolic of Halloween. From Mid. French “pompon” < Greek “pepon”=melon.
pundit: An expert in a specific field, often one called upon for an opinion. Sanskrit “pandita”=learned man
punish: To make someone suffer because they have done wrong.Old French “punir” < Latin “punire”=to inflict punishment < “poena”=penalty.
punnet: Small, shallow basket, esp. for strawberries. Uncertain origin ?variation on “pound”=unit of weight + Old French “-et”=diminutive.
punt: The hollow at the bottom of a wine bottle.French “pontil”=little point < “point”=point + “-il”=diminutive meaning “little.”
pupa: An insect in its inactive immature form between larva and adult. Latin “pupa”=doll, girl < ?Indo-European “paupt”=to swell.
pupil: A student in school. Old French “pupille”=orphan or ward < Latin “pupillus”=diminutive of “boy.”
purgatory: place or state of temporary suffering or misery. Catholic mythology place of atonement. From Latin “purgare”=purging/cleansing.
purloin: To take something wrongfully and without permission. From Latin “pro-”=for + “longe”=at a distance.
pussyclaat: Slang (Jamaican) for despicable person (?sanitary towel) Dutch “poes”=cat, used for “woman” + “claat”=Jamaican variant of cloth.
puszta: A large plain, steppe, or a flat treeless region. Hungarian “puszta”=plain or wasteland < uncertain Slavic language.
putative: Purported; put forth or accepted as true on inconclusive grounds. Latin “putativus”=imaginary < “putare”=to think.
pyromaniac: Someone who starts fires maliciously; a sufferer of pyromania. From Greek “pyro”=fire + “mania”=madness or excessive desire.
Python: Mythical Greek serpent-like guardian of the temple at Delphi. Killed by Apollo. Eponym Greek “python.”
pyx: In the Christian religion, a box in which a host is kept. Latin “pyxis”=casket, box < Greek “pixis”=box < “pixos”=the box-tree.
