-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)

catabiotic
Used up while carrying on of the vital processes other than growth, or in the performance of function, referring to the energy derived from food.
catabolic
catacaustic
1. Relating to, or having the properties of, a caustic curve formed by reflection.
2. A caustic curve formed by reflection of light.
cataclasmic
"A cataclysmic event is happening in the oil producing country that is threatening to reduce its oil exports to zero within the foreseeable future."
cataclastic
cataclysmic (adjective), more cataclysmic, most cataclysmic
1. Pertaining to a great and general flood of water, a deluge: "The cataclysmic rain showers have altered the physical situations in the country because so many people have lost their homes and their living conditions have been devastated."
2. Figuratively, a political or social upheaval that sweeps away the old order of things: "The cataclysmic terror attacks have caused great changes in the social structures of the country."
3. A reference to sudden and violent upheavals or disasters that cause great changes in people's lives: "The severe flooding of a certain country was one cataclysmic disaster, but then the same territory suffered more cataclysmic sufferings from an extreme drought that destroyed crops and caused starvation for thousands of people."
cataleptic
catalytic
catastrophic
1. Causing a lot of damage, making people suffer; or causing or liable to cause widespread damage or death.
2. Used to describe something which is very bad.
3. So serious in nature as to require extensive, long-term, and expensive medical treatment.
Relating to a fatal event or sudden misfortune.
© ALL rights are reserved.

A reference to a terrible outcome or result caused by some action.
© ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
so you can see more of Mickey Bach's cartoons.

cathartic
1. From Greek, katharsis, through Late Latin catharticus; inducing catharsis; that is, purgative or cleansing.
2. A cathartic agent, especially a laxative.
caustic (adjective), more caustic, most caustic
1. Relating to a chemical substance that can burn or corrode organic tissue: Lye is extremely caustic, or vitriolic, in that it causes damage to the skin.
2. Pertaining to a strong and powerful acid which is able to eat away and destroy by chemical action: Because the cleaning agent was so caustic, Janet had to wear gloves to protect her hands.
3. A reference to harsh or corrosive verbal expressions or severely critical and very sarcastic speech that is intended to mock, to offend, or to belittle someone: After cleaning the hotel rooms, Jane received nothing but caustic and scathing remarks from the owner, saying that they were dirtier than before, after which she quit her job on the spot! 
4. Conveying a burning or stinging sensation, as from an intense emotion: After being in the terrible car accident and seeing death before him, Don had a such a caustic fearfulness of such vehicles that he never put his foot into an automobile again!
5. Etymology: from Greek kaustikos, then from Latin causticus, from kaiein, kau-, "to burn"

Kaustos, "burnt", is the basis of the English words cauterize and caustic; literally of caustic lime, that which burns, and figuratively of caustic words that "burn" their recipients.

A reference to a sharp and bitter cleverness.
© ALL rights are reserved.

Relating to a severe and critical observation.
© ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
so you can see more of Mickey Bach's cartoons.

cecocolic
celozoic (adjective) (not comparable)
Relating to, or being within any of the cavities of the body: The celozoic formations, which inhabit any cavity of the body, can apply to certain parasitic protozoa, chiefly gregarines, that is the order of Protozoa, allied to the Rhizopoda, and parasitic in other animals, as in the earthworm, lobster, etc..
cenesthetic (adjective), more cenesthetic, most cenesthetic
Relating to an abnormal feeling either of euphoria, or of malaise, such as that which may take place in a delirious condition: As a result of a prolonged fever, Thora experienced a cenesthetic feeling associated with delirium.
cenopsychic (adjective)
A reference to a new or recent appearance in mental development.