-ic

(Greek: a suffix; pertaining to; of the nature of, like; in chemistry, it denotes a higher valence of the element than is expressed by -ous)

apathetic (ap" uh THET ik) (adjective), more apathetic, most apathetic
1. Relating to a lack of emotion or a reduced level of activity: Dr. Diedrich thought that Nora's apathetic behavior was the beginning of a significant form of depression.
2. Descriptive of a lack of interest and having no concern about something or someone: The apathetic turnout at the election suggested that the voters were unconcerned about the reelection of the mayor.
Not interested and feeling no emotion.
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Listless and not paying attention.
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Listless and not paying attention.
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Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
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aphantic
A reference to rocks containing compact crystalline too fine-grained for its particles to be identifiable with normal vision.
aphasic
Relating to, or suffering from aphasia (a defect or loss of the ability to speak or write, or the inability to understand spoken or written language).
aphemic (adjective), more aphemic, most aphemic
A reference to the loss of the ability to speak, while still being able to write.
aphlogistic
1. Without flame.
2. Flameless; as, an aphlogistic lamp in which a coil of wire is kept in a condition of continued ignition by alcohol.
aphobic (adjective), more aphobic, most aphobic
Characteristic of a person being without fear; fearless: Mr. Anderson, the author, described the hero in his novel as a brave and aphobic man, willing to face any peril.
aphotic (adjective), more aphotic, most aphotic
1. A description of those parts of the ocean that are not reached by sunlight, or plants that grow there without synthesizing light: The remote controlled camera was able to explore the aphotic depths of the ocean, looking for rare life forms.
2. A reference to any environment or habitat that has no sunlight of any biological significant intensity: The fish that lived for a long time in the dark cave evolved into a state of blindness because of their aphotic environment.
3. Etymology: from Greek a-, "not, without" + phos, "light"; literally, "no light".
aphytic
aplastic (adjective), more aplastic, most aplastic
1. A reference to a part of the body that has defective development or growth: The aplastic organ had an incomplete development as in aplastic anemia which occurs when the bone marrow does not provide sufficient red and white blood cell production.
2. Materials that are not easily molded or formed: Wayne, the artist, was working with aplastic materials; such as, stone to create a statue.
apneic (adjective), more apneic, most apneic
Related to the transient cessation of breathing: An apneic disorder can arise due to an interruption of the flow of air through the nose or mouth because of an obstruction or narrowing of the trachea.

Apneic episodes can occur during sleep at night.

apobiotic (adjective), more apobiotic, most apobiotic
Pertaining to the tendency of causing severe damage or actual death of a tissue or a part of the body.
apocalyptic (adjective), more apocalyptic, most apocalyptic
1. A reference to a prophetic of devastation or ultimate doom.
2. Relating to a warning about a disastrous future or outcome: We hear more and more about the apocalyptic results of global warming."
3. A description of a widespread destruction and devastation.
4. A reference to the predicting of, or presaging of, an imminent disaster and total or universal destruction: Apocalyptic teachings or writings; or specifically, apocalyptic literature.
5. Etymology: derived from Greek apokalupto, "to uncover", and so figuratively "to disclose, to reveal".
apocentric (adjective), more apocentric, most apocentric
A reference to the point on any orbit farthest from the center of attraction.
apodictic (adjective), more apodictic, most apodictic
A kind of argument in which someone presents his or her reasoning as categorically true; even if it is not necessarily so: Since Robert didn't consider several aspects of the computer program, he should not have made so many apodictic statements about the reliability of the usage of the system which he was presenting.
Being convinced and certain.
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Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
for a list of additional Mickey Bach illustrations.

apodyserotic
Excited sexually by the act or sight of disrobing.