Unabridged Dictionary - Letter Z
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Z
Z (z&emac;; in England commonly, and in America sometimes, z&ecr;d;
formerly, also, &icr;z"z&ecr;rd) Z, the twenty-sixth and last letter
of the English alphabet, is a vocal consonant. It is taken from the
Latin letter Z, which came from the Greek alphabet, this having it
from a Semitic source. The ultimate origin is probably Egyptian.
Etymologically, it is most closely related to s, y, and j; as in
glass, glaze; E. yoke, Gr. yugum; E. zealous, jealous. See Guide to
Pronunciation, §§ 273, 274.
Za
Za (?), n. (Min.) An old solfeggio name for B flat; the seventh
harmonic, as heard in the or \'91olian string; -- so called by
Tartini. It was long considered a false, but is the true note of the
chord of the flat seventh. H. W. Poole.
Zabaism, Zabism
Za"ba*ism (?), Za"bism (?), n. See Sabianism.
Zabian
Za"bi*an (?), a. & n. See Sabian.
Zacco
Zac"co (?), n. (Arch.) See Zocco.
Zachun
Za*chun" (?), n. (Bot.) An oil pressed by the Arabs from the fruit of
a small thorny tree (Balanites \'92gyptiaca), and sold to piligrims
for a healing ointment. J. Smith (Dict. Econ. Plants).
Zaerthe
Zaer"the (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) Same as Z&aum;rthe.
Zaffer
Zaf"fer (?), n. [F. zafre, safre; cf. Sp. zafra, safra, It. saffera,
G. zaffer; all probably of Arabic origin. Cf. Zaphara.] A pigment
obtained, usually by roasting cobalt glance with sand or quartz, as a
dark earthy powder. It consists of crude cobalt oxide, or of an impure
cobalt arseniate. It is used in porcelain painting, and in enameling
pottery, to produce a blue color, and is often confounded with smalt,
from which, however, it is distinct, as it contains no potash. The
name is often loosely applied to mixtures of zaffer proper with
silica, or oxides of iron, manganese, etc. [Written also zaffre, and
formerly zaffree, zaffar, zaffir.]
Zaim
Zaim (?; 277), n. [Turk. & Ar. za'\'c6m.] A Turkish chief who supports
a mounted militia bearing the same name. Smart.
Zaimet
Zaim"et (?; 277), n. [Turk. & Ar. za'\'c6met.] A district from which a
Zaim draws his revenue. Smart.
Zain
Zain (?), n. A horse of a dark color, neither gray nor white, and
having no spots. Smart.
Zalambdodont
Za*lamb"do*dont (?), a. (Zo\'94l.) Of or pertaining to a tribe
(Zalambdodonta) of Insectivora in which the molar teeth have but one
V-shaped ridge.
Zalambdodont
Za*lamb"do*dont, n. One of the Zalambdodonta. The tenrec, solenodon,
and golden moles are examples.
Zamang
Za*mang" (?), n. (Bot.) An immense leguminous tree (Pithecolobium
Saman) of Venezuela. Its branches form a hemispherical mass, often one
hundred and eighty feet across. The sweet pulpy pods are used commonly
for feeding cattle. Also called rain tree. J. Smith (Dict. Econ.
Plants).
Zambo
Zam"bo (?), n.; pl. Zambos (#). [See Sambo.] The child of a mulatto
and a negro; also, the child of an Indian and a negro; colloquially or
humorously, a negro; a sambo.
Zamia
Za"mi*a (?), n. [L. zamia a kind of fir cone, from Gr. (Bot.) A genus
of cycadaceous plants, having the appearance of low palms, but with
exogenous wood. See Coontie, and Illust. of Strobile.
Zamindar
Zam`in*dar" (?), n. [Hind. zem\'c6nd\'ber, zam\'c6nd\'ber, a
landholder, Per. zam\'c6nd\'ber; zam\'c6n land d\'ber holding.] A
landowner; also, a collector of land revenue; now, usually, a kind of
feudatory recognized as an actual proprietor so long as he pays to the
government a certain fixed revenue. [Written also zemindar.] [India]
Zamindary, Zamindari
Zam"in*da*ry (?), Zam"in*da*ri (?), n. The jurisdiction of a zamindar;
the land possessed by a zamindar. [Written also zemindary, zemindari.]
Zamite
Za"mite (?), n. (Paleon.) A fossil cycad of the genus Zamia.
Zamouse
Za*mouse" (?), n. [From a native name.] (Zo\'94l.) A West African
buffalo (Bubalus brachyceros) having short horns depressed at the
base, and large ears fringed internally with three rows of long hairs.
It is destitute of a dewlap. Called also short-horned buffalo, and
bush cow.
Zampogna
Zam*po"gna (?), n. [It.] (Mus.) A sort of bagpipe formerly in use
among Italian peasants. It is now almost obsolete. [Written also
zampugna.]
Zander
Zan"der (?), n. [Cf. D. zand sand.] (Zo\'94l.) A European pike perch
(Stizostedion lucioperca) allied to the wall-eye; -- called also
sandari, sander, sannat, schill, and zant.
Zandmole
Zand"mole` (?), n. [Cf. D. zand sand. See Sand, and Mole the animal.]
(Zo\'94l.) The sand mole.
Zante
Zan"te (?), n. (Bot.) See Zantewood.
Zante currant
Zan"te cur"rant (?). A kind of seedless grape or raisin; -- so called
from Zante, one of the Ionian Islands.
Zantewood
Zan"te*wood` (?), n. (Bot.) (a) A yellow dyewood; fustet; -- called
also zante, and zante fustic. See Fustet, and the Note under Fustic.
(b) Satinwood (Chloroxylon Swietenia).
Zantiot
Zan"ti*ot (?), n. A native or inhabitant of Zante, one of the Ionian
Islands.
Zany
Za"ny (?), n.; pl. Zanies (#). [It. zanni a buffoon, merry-andrew,
orig. same as Giovanni John, i. e., merry John, L. Ioannes, Gr.
Y\'d3kh\'ben\'ben, prop., the Lord graciously gave: cf. F. zani, fr.
the Italian. Cf. Jenneting.] A merry-andrew; a buffoon.
Then write that I may follow, and so be Thy echo, thy debtor, thy
foil, thy zany. Donne.
Preacher at once, and zany of thy age. Pope.
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Page 1678
Zany
Za"ny (?), v. t. To mimic. [Obs.]
Your part is acted; give me leave at distance To zany it.
Massinger.
Zanyism
Za"ny*ism (?), n. State or character of a zany; buffoonery. Coleridge.
H. Morley.
Zaphara
Zaph"a*ra (?), n. Zaffer.
Zaphrentis
Za*phren"tis (?), n. [NL.] (Paleon.) An extinct genus of
cyathophylloid corals common in the Paleozoic formations. It is
cup-shaped with numerous septa, and with a deep pit in one side of the
cup.
Zapotilla
Zap`o*til"la (?), n. (Bot.) See Sapodilla.
Zaptiah
Zap"ti*ah (?), n. A Turkish policeman. [Written also zaptieh.]
Zarathustrian, Zarathustric
Zar`a*thus"tri*an (?), Zar`a*thus"tric (?), a. Of or pertaining to
Zarathustra, or Zoroaster; Zoroastrian. Tylor.
Zarathustrism
Zar`a*thus"trism (?), n. See Zoroastrianism.
Zaratite
Zar"a*tite (?), n. (Min.) [Named after Gen. Zarata of Spain.] A
hydrous carbonate of nickel occurring as an emerald-green incrustation
on chromite; -- called also emerald nickel.
Zareba
Za*re"ba (?), n. (Mil.) An improvised stockade; especially, one made
of thorn bushes, etc. [Written also zareeba, and zeriba.] [Egypt]
"Ah," he moralizes, "what wonderful instinct on the part of this
little creature to surround itself with a zareba like the troops
after Osman Digma." R. Jefferies.
Zarnich
Zar"nich (?), n. [F., fr. Ar. az-zern\'c6kh, fr. Gr. Arsenic.] (Min.)
Native sulphide of arsenic, including sandarach, or realgar, and
orpiment.
Z\'84rthe
Z\'84r"the (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) A European bream (Abramis vimba).
[Written also zaerthe.]
Zati
Za"ti (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) A species of macaque (Macacus pileatus)
native of India and Ceylon. It has a crown of long erect hair, and
tuft of radiating hairs on the back of the head. Called also capped
macaque.
Zauschneria
Zau*schne"ri*a (?), n. [NL., named for M. Zauschner, a Bohemian
botanist.] (Bot.) A genus of flowering plants. Zauschneria Californica
is a suffrutescent perennial, with showy red flowers much resembling
those of the garden fuchsia.
Zax
Zax (?), n. A tool for trimming and puncturing roofing states.
[Written also sax.]
Zayat
Za"yat (?; 277), n. A public shed, or portico, for travelers,
worshipers, etc. [Burmah]
Zea
Ze"a (?), n. [L., a kind of grain, fr. Gr. yava barley.] (Bot.) A
genus of large grasses of which the Indian corn (Zea Mays) is the only
species known. Its origin is not yet ascertained. See Maize.
Zeal
Zeal (?), n. [F. z\'8ale; cf. Pg. & It. zelo, Sp. zelo, celo; from L.
zelus, Gr. Yeast, Jealous.]
1. Passionate ardor in the pursuit of anything; eagerness in favor of
a person or cause; ardent and active interest; engagedness;
enthusiasm; fervor. "Ambition varnished o'er with zeal." Milton.
"Zeal, the blind conductor of the will." Dryden. "Zeal's never-dying
fire." Keble.
I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according
to knowledge. Rom. x. 2.
A zeal for liberty is sometimes an eagerness to subvert with little
care what shall be established. Johnson.
2. A zealot. [Obs.] B. Jonson.
Zeal
Zeal, v. i. To be zealous. [Obs. & R.] Bacon.
Zealant
Zeal"ant (?), n. One who is zealous; a zealot; an enthusiast. [Obs.]
To certain zealants, all speech of pacification is odious. Bacon.
Zealed
Zealed (?), a. Full of zeal; characterized by zeal. [Obs.] "Zealed
religion." Beau. & Fl.
Zealful
Zeal"ful (?), a. Full of zeal. [R.] Sylvester.
Zealless
Zeal"less (?), a. Wanting zeal. Hammond.
Zealot
Zeal"ot (?), n. [F. z\'82lote, L. zelotes, Gr. Zeal.] One who is
zealous; one who engages warmly in any cause, and pursues his object
with earnestness and ardor; especially, one who is overzealous, or
carried away by his zeal; one absorbed in devotion to anything; an
enthusiast; a fanatical partisan.
Zealots for the one [tradition] were in hostile array against
zealots for the other. Sir J. Stephen.
In Ayrshire, Clydesdale, Nithisdale, Annandale, every parish was
visited by these turbulent zealots. Macaulay.
Zealotical
Zea*lot"ic*al (?), a. Like, or suitable to, a zealot; ardently
zealous. [R.] Strype.
Zealotism
Zeal"ot*ism (?), n. The character or conduct of a zealot; zealotry.
Zealotist
Zeal"ot*ist, n. A zealot. [Obs.] Howell.
Zealotry
Zeal"ot*ry (?), n. The character and behavior of a zealot; excess of
zeal; fanatical devotion to a cause.
Enthusiasm, visionariness, seems the tendency of the German; zeal,
zealotry, of the English; fanaticism, of the French. Coleridge.
Zealous
Zeal"ous (?; 277), a. [LL. zelosus. See Zeal.]
1. Filled with, or characterized by, zeal; warmly engaged, or ardent,
in behalf of an object.
He may be zealous in the salvation of souls. Law.
2. Filled with religious zeal. [Obs.] Shak. -- Zeal"ous*ly, adv. --
Zeal"ous*ness, n.
Zebec
Ze"bec (?), n. (Naut.) See Xebec.
Zebra
Ze"bra (?), n. [Pg. zebra; cf. Sp. cebra; probably from a native
African name.] (Zo\'94l.) Either one of two species of South African
wild horses remarkable for having the body white or yellowish white,
and conspicuously marked with dark brown or brackish bands.
NOTE: &hand; Th e tr ue or mountain zebra (Equus, OR Asinus, zebra)
is nearly white, and the bands which cover the body and legs are
glossy black. Its tail has a tuft of black hair at the tip. It
inhabits the mountains of Central and Southern Africa, and is noted
for its wariness and wildness, as well as for its swiftness. The
second species (Equus, OR Asinus, Burchellii), known as Burchell's
zebra, and dauw, inhabits the grassy plains of South Africa, and
differs from the preceding in not having dark bands on the legs,
while those on the body are more irregular. It has a long tail,
covered with long white flowing hair.
Zebra caterpillar, the larva of an American noctuid moth (Mamestra
picta). It is light yellow, with a broad black stripe on the back and
one on each side; the lateral stripes are crossed with withe lines. It
feeds on cabbages, beets, clover, and other cultivated plants. --
Zebra opossum, the zebra wolf. See under Wolf. -- Zebra parrakeet, an
Australian grass parrakeet, often kept as a cage bird. Its upper parts
are mostly pale greenish yellow, transversely barred with brownish
black crescents; the under parts, rump, and upper tail coverts, are
bright green; two central tail feathers and the cheek patches are
blue. Called also canary parrot, scallop parrot, shell parrot, and
undulated parrot. -- Zebra poison (Bot.), a poisonous tree (Euphorbia
arborea) of the Spurge family, found in South Africa. Its milky juice
is so poisonous that zebras have been killed by drinking water in
which its branches had been placed, and it is also used as an arrow
poison. J. Smith (Dict. Econ. Plants). -- Zebra shark. Same as Tiger
shark, under Tiger. -- Zebra spider, a hunting spider. -- Zebra
swallowtail, a very large North American swallow-tailed butterfly
(Iphiclides ajax), in which the wings are yellow, barred with black;
-- called also ajax. -- Zebra wolf. See under Wolf.
Zebrawood
Ze"bra*wood` (?), n. (a) A kind of cabinet wood having beautiful
black, brown, and whitish stripes, the timber of a tropical American
tree (Connarus Guianensis). (b) The wood of a small West Indian
myrtaceous tree (Eugenia fragrans). (c) The wood of an East Indian
tree of the genus Guettarda.
Zebrine
Ze"brine (?), a. (Zo\'94l.) Pertaining to, or resembling, the zebra.
Zebu
Ze"bu (?), n. [z\'82bu; of uncertain origin.] (Zo\'94l.) A bovine
mammal (Ros Indicus) extensively domesticated in India, China, the
East Indies, and East Africa. It usually has short horns, large
pendulous ears, slender legs, a large dewlap, and a large, prominent
hump over the shoulders; but these characters vary in different
domestic breeds, which range in size from that of the common ox to
that of a large mastiff.
NOTE: &hand; So me of th e varieties are used as beasts of burden,
and some fore for riding, while others are raised for their milk
and flesh. The Brahmin bull, regarded as sacred by the Hindoos,
also belongs to this species. The male is called also Indian bull,
Indian ox, Madras ox, and sacred bull.
Zebub
Ze"bub (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) A large noxious fly of Abyssinia, which like
the tsetse fly, is destructive to cattle.
Zechin
Ze"chin (?; 277), n. See Sequin.
Zechstein
Zech"stein` (?), n. [Gr., fr. zeche a mine + stein a stone.] (Geol.)
The upper division of the Permian (Dyas) of Europe. The prevailing
rock is a magnesian limestone.
Zed
Zed (?), n. [F., probably through It. zeta, fr. L. zeta. See Zeta.]
The letter Z; -- called also zee, and formerly izzard. "Zed, thou
unnecessary letter!" Shak.
Zedoary
Zed"o*a*ry (?), n. [F. z\'82doaire, LL. zedoaria; cf. It. zedoaria,
zettovario, Pg. zedoaria, Sp. zedoaria, cedoaria; all fr. Ar. & Per.
zedw.] (Med.) A medicinal substance obtained in the East Indian,
having a fragrant smell, and a warm, bitter, aromatic taste. It is
used in medicine as a stimulant.
NOTE: &hand; It is th e rh izome of different species of Curcuma,
esp. C. zedoaria, and comes in short, firm pieces, externally of a
wrinkled gray, ash-colored appearance, but within of a brownish red
color. There are two kinds, round zedoary, and long zedoary.
Zeekoe
Zee"koe (?), n. [D., sea cow, lake cow.] (Zo\'94l.) A hippopotamus.
Zehner
Zeh"ner (?), n. [G.] An Austrian silver coin equal to ten kreutzers,
or about five cents.
Zein
Ze"in (?), n. [Cf. F. z\'82\'8bne. See Zea.] (Chem.) A nitrogenous
substance of the nature of gluten, obtained from the seeds of Indian
corn (Zea) as a soft, yellowish, amorphous substance. [Formerly
written zeine.]
Zemindar
Zem`in*dar" (?), n. Same as Zamindar.
Zemindary, Zemindari
Zem"in*da*ry (?), Zem"in*da*ri (?), n. Same as Zamindary.
Zemni
Zem"ni (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) The blind mole rat (Spalax typhlus), native
of Eastern Europe and Asia. Its eyes and ears are rudimentary, and its
fur is soft and brownish, more or less tinged with gray. It constructs
extensive burrows.
Zenana
Ze*na"na (?), n. [Hind. zen\'bena, zan\'bena, fr. Per. zan\'bena, fr.
zan woman; akin to E. queen.] The part of a dwelling appropriated to
women. [India]
Zend
Zend (?), n. [See Zend-Avesta.] Properly, the translation and
exposition in the Huzv&acir;resh, or literary Pehlevi, language, of
the Avesta, the Zoroastrian sacred writings; as commonly used, the
language (an ancient Persian dialect) in which the Avesta is written.
Zend-Avesta
Zend`-A*ves"ta (?), n. [Properly, the Avesta, or sacred text, and its
zend, or interpretation, in a more modern and intelligible language.
W. D. Whitney.] The sacred writings of the ancient Persian religion,
attributed to Zoroaster, but chiefly of a later date.
Zendik
Zen"dik (?), n. [Ar. zand\'c6k.] An atheist or unbeliever; -- name
given in the East to those charged with disbelief of any revealed
religion, or accused of magical heresies.
Zenick
Ze"nick (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) A South African burrowing mammal (Suricata
tetradactyla), allied to the civets. It is grayish brown, with
yellowish transverse stripes on the back. Called also suricat.
Zenik
Ze"nik (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) See Zenick.
Zenith
Ze"nith (?; 277), n. [OE. senyth, OF. cenith, F. z\'82nith, Sp. zenit,
cenit, abbrev. fr. Ar. samt-urras way of the head, vertical place;
samt way, path + al the + ras head. Cf. Azimuth.]
1. That point in the visible celestial hemisphere which is vertical to
the spectator; the point of the heavens directly overhead; -- opposed
to nadir.
From morn To noon he fell, from noon to dewy eve, A summer's day;
and with the setting sun Dropped from the zenith, like a falling
star. Milton.
2. hence, figuratively, the point of culmination; the greatest height;
the height of success or prosperity.
I find my zenith doth depend upon A most auspicious star. Shak.
This dead of midnight is the noon of thought, And wisdom mounts her
zenith with the stars. Mrs. Barbauld.
It was during those civil troubles . . . this aspiring family
reached the zenith. Macaulay.
Zenith distance. (Astron.) See under Distance. -- Zenith sector.
(Astron.) See Sector, 3. -- Zenith telescope (Geodesy), a telescope
specially designed for determining the latitude by means of any two
stars which pass the meridian about the same time, and at nearly equal
distances from the zenith, but on opposite sides of it. It turns both
on a vertical and a horizontal axis, is provided with a graduated
vertical semicircle, and a level for setting it to a given zenith
distance, and with a micrometer for measuring the difference of the
zenith distances of the two stars.
Zenithal
Ze"nith*al (?), a. Of or pertaining to the zenith. "The deep zenithal
blue." Tyndall.
Zeolite
Ze"o*lite (?), n. [Gr. -lite: cf. F. z\'82olithe.] (Min.) A term now
used to designate any one of a family of minerals, hydrous silicates
of alumina, with lime, soda, potash, or rarely baryta. Here are
included natrolite, stilbite, analcime, chabazite, thomsonite,
heulandite, and others. These species occur of secondary origin in the
cavities of amygdaloid, basalt, and lava, also, less frequently, in
granite and gneiss. So called because many of these species intumesce
before the blowpipe. Needle zeolite, needlestone; natrolite.
Zeolitic
Ze`o*lit"ic (?), a. Of or pertaining to a zeolite; consisting of, or
resembling, a zeolite.
Zeolitiform
Ze`o*lit"i*form (?), a. Having the form of a zeolite.
Zephyr
Zeph"yr (?), n. [L. zephyrus, Gr. z\'82phyr.] The west wind;
poetically, any soft, gentle breeze. "Soft the zephyr blows." Gray.
As gentle As zephyrs blowing below the violet. Shak.
Zephyr cloth, a thin kind of cassimere made in Belgium; also, a
waterproof fabric of wool. -- Zephyr shawl, a kind of thin, light,
embroidered shawl made of worsted and cotton. -- Zephyr yarn, OR
worsted, a fine, soft kind of yarn or worsted, -- used for knitting
and embroidery.
Zephyrus
Zeph"y*rus (?), n. [L. See Zephyr.] The west wind, or zephyr; --
usually personified, and made the most mild and gentle of all the
sylvan deities.
Mild as when Zephyrus on Flora breathes. Milton.
Zequin
Ze"quin (?), n. See Sequin.
Zerda
Zer"da (?), n. [Of African origin.] (Zo\'94l.) The fennec.
Zeriba
Ze*ri"ba (?), n. (Mil.) Same as Zareba.
Zero
Ze"ro (?), n; pl. Zeros (#) or Zeroes. [F. z\'82ro, from Ar.
&cced;afrun, &cced;ifrun, empty, a cipher. Cf. Cipher.]
1. (Arith.) A cipher; nothing; naught.
2. The point from which the graduation of a scale, as of a
thermometer, commences.
NOTE: &hand; Zero in the Centigrade, or Celsius thermometer, and in
the R\'82aumur thermometer, is at the point at which water
congeals. The zero of the Fahrenheit thermometer is fixed at the
point at which the mercury stands when immersed in a mixture of
snow and common salt. In Wedgwood's pyrometer, the zero corresponds
with 1077\'f8 on the Fahrenheit scale. See Illust. of Thermometer.
3. Fig.: The lowest point; the point of exhaustion; as, his patience
had nearly reached zero.
Absolute zero. See under Absolute. -- Zero method (Physics), a method
of comparing, or measuring, forces, electric currents, etc., by so
opposing them that the pointer of an indicating apparatus, or the
needle of a galvanometer, remains at, or is brought to, zero, as
contrasted with methods in which the deflection is observed directly;
-- called also null method. -- Zero point, the point indicating zero,
or the commencement of a scale or reckoning.
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Page 1679
Zest
Zest (?), n. [F. zeste, probably fr. L. schistos split, cleft,
divided, Gr. Schism.]
1. A piece of orange or lemon peel, or the aromatic oil which may be
squeezed from such peel, used to give flavor to liquor, etc.
2. Hence, something that gives or enhances a pleasant taste, or the
taste itself; an appetizer; also, keen enjoyment; relish; gusto.
Almighty Vanity! to thee they owe Their zest of pleasure, and their
balm of woe. Young.
Liberality of disposition and conduct gives the highest zest and
relish to social intercourse. Gogan.
3. The woody, thick skin inclosing the kernel of a walnut. [Obs.]
Zest
Zest, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Zested; p. pr. & vb. n. Zesting.]
1. To cut into thin slips, as the peel of an orange, lemon, etc.; to
squeeze, as peel, over the surface of anything.
2. To give a relish or flavor to; to heighten the taste or relish of;
as, to zest wine. Gibber.
Zeta
Ze"ta (?), n. [L., from Gr. Zed.] A Greek letter [z] corresponding to
our z.
Zetetic
Ze*tet"ic (?), a. [Gr. z\'82t\'82tique.] Seeking; proceeding by
inquiry. Zetetic method (Math.), the method used for finding the value
of unknown quantities by direct search, in investigation, or in the
solution of problems. [R.] Hutton.
Zetetic
Ze*tet"ic, n. A seeker; -- a name adopted by some of the Pyrrhonists.
Zetetics
Ze*tet"ics (?), n. [See Zetetic, a.] (Math.) A branch of algebra which
relates to the direct search for unknown quantities. [R.]
Zeuglodon
Zeu"glo*don (?), n. [Gr. (Paleon.) A genus of extinct Eocene whales,
remains of which have been found in the Gulf States. The species had
very long and slender bodies and broad serrated teeth. See
Phocodontia.
Zeuglodont
Zeu"glo*dont (?), (Zo\'94l.) Any species of Zeuglodonta.
Zeuglodonta
Zeu`glo*don"ta (?), n. pl. [NL.] (Zo\'94l.) Same as Phocodontia.
Zeugma
Zeug"ma (?), n. [L., from Gr. Yoke.] (Gram.) A figure by which an
adjective or verb, which agrees with a nearer word, is, by way of
supplement, referred also to another more remote; as, "hic illius
arma, hic currus fuit;" where fuit, which agrees directly with currus,
is referred also to arma.
Zeugmatic
Zeug*mat"ic (?), a. Of or pertaining to zeugma; characterized by
zeugma.
Zeugobranchiata
Zeu`go*bran`chi*a"ta (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. (Zo\'94l.) Same as
Zygobranchia.
Zeus
Zeus (?), n. (Gr. Myth.) The chief deity of the Greeks, and ruler of
the upper world (cf. Hades). He was identified with Jupiter.
Zeuzerian
Zeu*ze"ri*an (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) Any one of a group of bombycid moths
of which the genus Zeuzera is the type. Some of these moths are of
large size. The goat moth is an example.
Zeylanite
Zey"lan*ite (?), n. (Min.) See Ceylanite.
Zibet, Zibeth
Zib"et, Zib"eth (?), n. [Cf. It. zibetto. See Civet.] (Zo\'94l.) A
carnivorous mammal (Viverra zibetha) closely allied to the civet, from
which it differs in having the spots on the body less distinct, the
throat whiter, and the black rings on the tail more numerous.
NOTE: &hand; It in habits In dia, So uthern Ch ina, an d th e East
Indies. It yields a perfume similar to that of the civet. It is
often domesticated by the natives, and then serves the same
purposes as the domestic cat. Called also Asiatic, OR Indian,
civet.
Ziega
Zie"ga (?), n. Curd produced from milk by adding acetic acid, after
rennet has ceased to cause coagulation. Brande & C.
Zietrisikite
Zie`tri*si"kite (?), n. (Min.) A mineral wax, vert similar to
ozocerite. It is found at Zietrisika, Moldavia, whence its name.
Zif
Zif (?), n. [Heb. ziv.] The second month of the Jewish ecclesiastical
year, corresponding to our May.
Zigger, Zighyr
Zig"ger, Zig"hyr (?), v. i. (Mining) Same as Sicker. [Prov. Eng.]
Raymond.
Zigzag
Zig"zag` (?), n. [F. zigzag, G. zickzack, from zacke, zacken, a
dentil, tooth. Cf. Tack a small nail.]
1. Something that has short turns or angles.
The fanatics going straight forward and openly, the politicians by
the surer mode of zigzag. Burke.
2. (Arch.) A molding running in a zigzag line; a chevron, or series of
chevrons. See Illust. of Chevron, 3.
3. (Fort.) See Boyau.
Zigzag
Zig"zag` (?), a. Having short, sharp turns; running this way and that
in an onward course.
Zigzag
Zig"zag`, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Zigzagged (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Zigzagging.] To form with short turns.
Zigzag
Zig"zag`, v. i. To move in a zigzag manner; also, to have a zigzag
shape. R. Browning.
Zigzaggery
Zig"zag`ger*y (?), n. The quality or state of being zigzag;
crookedness. [R.]
The . . . zigzaggery of my father's approaches. Sterne.
Zigzaggy
Zig"zag`gy, a. Having sharp turns. Barham.
Zilla
Zil"la (?), n. (Bot.) A low, thorny, suffrutescent, crucifeous plant
(Zilla myagroides) found in the deserts of Egypt. Its leaves are
boiled in water, and eaten, by the Arabs.
Zillah
Zil"lah (?), n. [Ar. zila.] A district or local division, as of a
province. [India]
Zimb
Zimb (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) A large, venomous, two-winged fly, native of
Abyssinia. It is allied to the tsetse fly, and, like the latter, is
destructive to cattle.
Ziment-water
Zim"ent-wa`ter (?), n. [G. cement-wasser. See Cement.] A kind of water
found in copper mines; water impregnated with copper.
Zinc
Zinc (?), n. [G. zinc, probably akin to zinn tin: cf. F. zinc, from
the German. Cf. Tin.] (Chem.) An abundant element of the
magnesium-cadmium group, extracted principally from the minerals zinc
blende, smithsonite, calamine, and franklinite, as an easily fusible
bluish white metal, which is malleable, especially when heated. It is
not easily oxidized in moist air, and hence is used for sheeting,
coating galvanized iron, etc. It is used in making brass, britannia,
and other alloys, and is also largely consumed in electric batteries.
Symbol Zn. Atomic weight 64.9 [Formerly written also zink.] Butter of
zinc (Old Chem.), zinc chloride, ZnCl2, a deliquescent white waxy or
oily substance. -- Oxide of zinc. (Chem.) See Zinc oxide, below. --
Zinc amine (Chem.), a white amorphous substance, Zn(NH2)2, obtained by
the action of ammonia on zinc ethyl; -- called also zinc amide. --
Zinc amyle (Chem.), a colorless, transparent liquid, composed of zinc
and amyle, which, when exposed to the atmosphere, emits fumes, and
absorbs oxygen with rapidity. -- Zinc blende [cf. G. zinkblende]
(Min.), a native zinc sulphide. See Blende, n. (a) -- Zinc bloom [cf.
G. zinkblumen flowers of zinc, oxide of zinc] (Min.), hydrous
carbonate of zinc, usually occurring in white earthy incrustations; --
called also hydrozincite. -- Zinc ethyl (Chem.), a colorless,
transparent, poisonous liquid, composed of zinc and ethyl, which takes
fire spontaneously on exposure to the atmosphere. -- Zinc green, a
green pigment consisting of zinc and cobalt oxides; -- called also
Rinmann's green. -- Zinc methyl (Chem.), a colorless mobile liquid
Zn(CH3)2, produced by the action of methyl iodide on a zinc sodium
alloy. It has a disagreeable odor, and is spontaneously inflammable in
the air. It has been of great importance in the synthesis of organic
compounds, and is the type of a large series of similar compounds, as
zinc ethyl, zinc amyle, etc. -- Zinc oxide (Chem.), the oxide of zinc,
ZnO, forming a light fluffy sublimate when zinc is burned; -- called
also flowers of zinc, philosopher's wool, nihil album, etc. The impure
oxide produced by burning the metal, roasting its ores, or in melting
brass, is called also pompholyx, and tutty. -- Zinc spinel (Min.), a
mineral, related to spinel, consisting essentially of the oxides of
zinc and aluminium; gahnite. -- Zinc vitriol (Chem.), zinc sulphate.
See White vitriol, under Vitriol. -- Zinc white, a white powder
consisting of zinc oxide, used as a pigment.
Zinc
Zinc, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Zincked OR Zinced (; p. pr. & vb. n.
Zincking OR Zincing (.] To coat with zinc; to galvanize.
Zincane
Zinc"ane (?), n. (Chem.) Zinc chloride. [Obs.]
Zincic
Zinc"ic (?), a. (Chem.) Pertaining to, containing, or resembling,
zinc; zincous.
Zincide
Zinc"ide (?), n. A binary compound of zinc. [R.]
Zinciferous
Zinc*if"er*ous (?), a. [Zinc + -ferous.] Containing or affording zinc.
Zincification
Zinc`i*fi*ca"tion (?), n. The act or process of applying zinc; the
condition of being zincified, or covered with zinc; galvanization.
Zincify
Zinc"i*fy (?), v. t. [Zinc + -fy.] (Metal.) To coat or impregnate with
zinc.
Zincite
Zinc"ite (?), n. (Min.) Native zinc oxide; a brittle, translucent
mineral, of an orange-red color; -- called also red zinc ore, and red
oxide of zinc.
Zincking, OR Zincing
Zinck"ing, OR Zinc"ing (?), n. (Metal.) The act or process of applying
zinc; galvanization.
Zincky
Zinck"y (?), Pertaining to zinc, or having its appearance. [Written
also zinky.]
Zinco-
Zin"co- (?). A combining form from zinc; in chemistry, designating
zinc as an element of certain double compounds. Also used adjectively.
Zincode
Zinc"ode (?), n. [Zinc + -ode, as in electrode.] (Elec.) The positive
electrode of an electrolytic cell; anode. [R.] Miller.
Zincographer
Zin*cog"ra*pher (?), n. Am engraver on zinc.
Zincongraphic, Zincongraphical
Zin`con*graph"ic (?), Zin`con*graph"ic*al (?), a. Of or pertaining to
zincography; as, zincographic processes.
Zincography
Zin*cog"ra*phy (?), n. [Zinco- + -graphy.] The art or process of
engraving or etching on zinc, in which the design is left in relief in
the style of a wood cut, the rest of the ground being eaten away by
acid.
Zincoid
Zinc"oid (?), a. [Zinc + -oid.] Pertaining to, or resembling, zinc; --
said of the electricity of the zincous plate in connection with a
copper plate in a voltaic circle; also, designating the positive pole.
[Obs.]
Zinco-polar
Zin`co-po"lar (?), a. [Zinco- + polar.] (Elec.) Electrically polarized
like the surface of the zinc presented to the acid in a battery, which
has zincous affinity. [Obs.]
Zincous
Zinc"ous (?), a.
1. (Chem.) (a) Of, pertaining to, or containing, zinc; zincic; as,
zincous salts. (b) Hence, formerly, basic, basylous, as opposed to
chlorous.
2. (Physics) Of or pertaining to the positive pole of a galvanic
battery; electro-positive.
Zingaro
Zin"ga*ro (?), n.; pl. Zingari (#). [It.] A gypsy.
Zingel
Zing"el (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) A small, edible, freshwater European perch
(Aspro zingel), having a round, elongated body and prominent snout.
Zingiberaceous
Zin`gi*ber*a"ceous (?), a. [L. zingiber ginger. See Ginger.] (Bot.) Of
or pertaining to ginger, or to a tribe (Zingibere\'91) of endogenous
plants of the order Scitamine\'91. See Scitamineous.
Zink
Zink (?), n. (Chem.) See Zinc. [Obs.]
Zinken\'c6te
Zink"en*\'c6te (?), n. [From Zinken, director at one time of the
Hanoverian mines.] (Min.) A steel-gray metallic mineral, a sulphide of
antimony and lead.
Zinky
Zink"y (?), a. See Zincky. Kirwan.
Zinnia
Zin"ni*a (?), n. [NL. So called after Professor Zinn, of
G\'94ttingen.] (Bot.) Any plant of the composite genus Zinnia, Mexican
herbs with opposite leaves and large gay-colored blossoms. Zinnia
elegans is the commonest species in cultivation.
Zinnwaldite
Zinn"wald*ite (?), n. [So called after Zinnwald, in Bohemia, where it
occurs.] (Min.) A kind of mica containing lithium, often associated
with tin ore.
Zinsang
Zin"sang (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) The delundung.
Zinziberaceous
Zin`zi*ber*a"ceous (?), a. (Bot.) Same as Zingiberaceous.
Zion
Zi"on (?), n. [Heb. ts\'c6y, originally, a hill.]
1. (Jewish Antiq.) A hill in Jerusalem, which, after the capture of
that city by the Israelites, became the royal residence of David and
his successors.
2. Hence, the theocracy, or church of God.
3. The heavenly Jerusalem; heaven.
Ziphioid
Ziph"i*oid (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) See Xiphioid.
Zirco-
Zir"co- (?). (Chem.) A combining form (also used adjectively)
designating zirconium as an element of certain double compounds;
zircono-; as in zircofluoric acid, sodium zircofluoride.
Zircofluoride
Zir`co*flu"or*ide (?), n. (Chem.) A double fluoride of zirconium and
hydrogen, or some other positive element or radical; as, zircofluoride
of sodium.
Zircon
Zir"con (?), n. [F., the same word as jargon. See Jargon a variety of
zircon.] (Min.) A mineral occurring in tetragonal crystals, usually of
a brown or gray color. It consists of silica and zirconia. A red
variety, used as a gem, is called hyacinth. Colorless, pale-yellow or
smoky-brown varieties from Ceylon are called jargon.<-- 2. an
imitation gemstone made of cubic zirconia. --> Zircon syenite, a
coarse-grained syenite containing zircon crystals and often also
el\'91olite. It is largely developed in Southern Norway.
Zircona
Zir"co*na (?), n. [NL.] (Chem.) Zirconia.
Zirconate
Zir"con*ate (?), n. (Chem.) A salt of zirconic acid.
Zirconia
Zir*co"ni*a (?), n. [NL.] (Chem.) The oxide of zirconium, obtained as
a white powder, and possessing both acid and basic properties. On
account of its infusibility, and brilliant luminosity when
incandescent, it is used as an ingredient of sticks for the Drummomd
light. <-- cubic zirconia. A colorless form of zirconia similar in
appearance and refractivity to diamond, and used as a substitute for
diamonds in inexpensive jewelry. -->
Zirconic
Zir*con"ic (?), a. (Chem.) Pertaining to, containing, or resembling,
zirconium; as, zirconic oxide; zirconic compounds. Zirconic acid, an
acid of zirconium analogous to carbonic and silicic acids, known only
in its salts.
Zirconium
Zir*co"ni*um (?), n. [NL.] (Chem.) A rare element of the
carbon-silicon group, intermediate between the metals and nonmetals,
obtained from the mineral zircon as a dark sooty powder, or as a gray
metallic crystalline substance. Symbol Zr. Atomic weight, 90.4.
Zircono
Zir"co*no (?). See Zirco-.
Zirconoid
Zir"con*oid (?), n. [Zircon + oid.] (Crystallog.) A double eight-sided
pyramid, a form common with tetragonal crystals; -- so called because
this form often occurs in crystals of zircon.
Zither
Zith"er (?), n. [G. zither. See Cittern.] (Mus.) An instrument of
music used in Austria and Germany. It has from thirty to forty wires
strung across a shallow sounding-board, which lies horizontally on a
table before the performer, who uses both hands in playing on it.
NOTE: [Not to be co nfounded with the old lute-shaped cittern, or
cithern.]
Zittern
Zit"tern (?), n. (Min.) See Cittern.
Zizania
Zi*za"ni*a (?), n. [NL., from L. zizanium darnel, cockle, Gr. (Bot.) A
genus of grasses including Indian rice. See Indian rice, under Rice.
Zizel
Ziz"el (?), n. [G. ziesel.] (Zo\'94l.) The suslik. [Written also
zisel.]
Zoanthacea
Zo`an*tha"ce*a (?), n. pl. [NL., from Gr. (Zo\'94l.) A suborder of
Actinaria, including Zoanthus and allied genera, which are permanently
attached by their bases.
Zoantharia
Zo`an*tha"ri*a (?), n. pl. [NL.] (Zo\'94l.) Same as Anthozoa.
Zoantharian
Zo`an*tha"ri*an (?), a. (Zo\'94l.) Of or pertaining to the Zoantharia.
-- n. One of the Anthozoa.
Zoanthodeme
Zo*an"tho*deme (?), n. [See Zoantharia, and Deme.] (Zo\'94l.) The
zooids of a compound anthozoan, collectively.
Zoanthoid
Zo*an"thoid (?), a. [See Zoantharia, and -oid.] (Zo\'94l.) Of or
pertaining to the Zoanthacea.
Zoanthropy
Zo*an"thro*py (?), n. [Gr. (Med.) A kind of monomania in which the
patient believes himself transformed into one of the lower animals.
Zoanthus
Zo*an"thus (?), n. [NL. See Zoantharia.] (Zo\'94l.) A genus of
Actinaria, including numerous species, found mostly in tropical seas.
The zooids or polyps resemble small, elongated actinias united
together at their bases by fleshy stolons, and thus forming extensive
groups. The tentacles are small and bright colored.
_________________________________________________________________
Page 1680
Zobo
Zo"bo (?), n. [Native name.] (Zo\'94l.) A kind of domestic cattle
reared in Asia for its flesh and milk. It is supposed to be a hybrid
between the zebu and the yak.
Zocle
Zo"cle (?; 277), n. (Arch.) Same as Socle.
Zocco, Zoccolo
Zoc"co (?), Zoc"co*lo (?), n. [It. fr. L. socculus. See Socle, and cf.
Zacco.] (Arch.) Same as Socle.
Zodiac
Zo"di*ac (?), n. [F. zodiaque (cf. It. zodiaco), fr. L. zodiacus, Gr.
1. (Astron.) (a) An imaginary belt in the heavens, 16° or 18° broad,
in the middle of which is the ecliptic, or sun's path. It comprises
the twelve constellations, which one constituted, and from which were
named, the twelve signs of the zodiac. (b) A figure representing the
signs, symbols, and constellations of the zodiac.
2. A girdle; a belt. [Poetic & R.]
By his side, As in a glistering zodiac, hung the sword. Milton.
Zodiacal
Zo*di"a*cal (?), a. [Cf. F. zodiacal.] (Astron.) Of or pertaining to
the zodiac; situated within the zodiac; as, the zodiacal planets.
Zodiacal light, a luminous tract of the sky, of an elongated,
triangular figure, lying near the ecliptic, its base being on the
horizon, and its apex at varying altitudes. It is to be seen only in
the evening, after twilight, and in the morning before dawn. It is
supposed to be due to sunlight reflected from multitudes of meteoroids
revolving about the sun nearly in the plane of the ecliptic.
Zo\'89a
Zo"\'89*a (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. (Zo\'94l.) A peculiar larval stage of
certain decapod Crustacea, especially of crabs and certain Anomura.
[Written also zo\'91a.]
NOTE: &hand; In th is st age th e an terior pa rt of th e body is
relatively large, and usually bears three or four long spines. The
years are conspicuous, and the antenn\'91 and jaws are long,
fringed organs used in swimming. The thoracic legs are undeveloped
or rudimentary, the abdomen long, slender, and often without
appendages. The zo\'89a, after casting its shell, changes to a
megalops.
Zoetrope
Zo"e*trope (?), n. [Gr. An optical toy, in which figures made to
revolve on the inside of a cylinder, and viewed through slits in its
circumference, appear like a single figure passing through a series of
natural motions as if animated or mechanically moved.
Zohar
Zo"har (?), n. [Heb. z candor, splendor.] A Jewish cabalistic book
attributed by tradition to Rabbi Simon ben Yochi, who lived about the
end of the 1st century, a. d. Modern critics believe it to be a
compilation of the 13th century. Encyc. Brit.
Zoic
Zo"ic (?), a. [Gr. (Zo\'94l.) Of or pertaining to animals, or animal
life.
Zoide
Zo"ide (?), n. (Biol.) See Meride.
Zoilean
Zo*il"e*an (?), a. Having the characteristic of Zoilus, a bitter,
envious, unjust critic, who lived about 270 years before Christ.
Zoilism
Zo"i*lism (?), n. Resemblance to Zoilus in style or manner; carping
criticism; detraction.
Bring candid eyes the perusal of men's works, and let not Zoilism
or detraction blast well-intended labors. Sir T. Browne.
Zoisite
Zois"ite (?), n. [After its discoverer, Von Zois, an Austrian
mineralogist.] (Min.) A grayish or whitish mineral occurring in
orthorhombic, prismatic crystals, also in columnar masses. It is a
silicate of alumina and lime, and is allied to epidote.
Zokor
Zo"kor (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) An Asiatic burrowing rodent (Siphneus
aspalax) resembling the mole rat. It is native of the Altai Mountains.
Zollverein
Zoll"ve*rein` (?), n. [G., from zoll duty + verein union.] Literally,
a customs union; specifically, applied to the several customs unions
successively formed under the leadership of Prussia among certain
German states for establishing liberty of commerce among themselves
and common tariff on imports, exports, and transit.
NOTE: &hand; In 18 34 a zollverein was established which included
most of the principal German states except Austria. This was
terminated by the events of 1866, and in 1867 a more closely
organized union was formed, the administration of which was
ultimately merged in that of the new German empire, with which it
nearly corresponds territorially.
Zomboruk
Zom"bo*ruk (?), n. (Mil.) See Zumbooruk.
Zona
Zo"na (?), n.; pl. Zon\'91 (#). [L., a girdle. See Zone.] A zone or
band; a layer. Zona pellucida. [NL.] (Biol.) (a) The outer transparent
layer, or envelope, of the ovum. It is a more or less elastic membrane
with radiating stri\'91, and corresponds to the cell wall of an
ordinary cell. See Ovum, and Illust. of Microscope. (b) The zona
radiata. -- Zona radiata [NL.] (Biol.), a radiately striated membrane
situated next the yolk of an ovum, or separated from it by a very
delicate membrane only.
Zonal
Zon"al (?), a. [L. zonalis.] Of or pertaining to a zone; having the
form of a zone or zones. Zonal equation (Crystallog.), the
mathematical relation which belongs to all the planes of a zone, and
expresses their common position with reference to the axes. -- Zonal
structure (Crystallog.), a structure characterized by the arrangements
of color, inclusions, etc., of a crystal in parallel or concentric
layers, which usually follow the outline of the crystal, and mark the
changes that have taken place during its growth. -- Zonal symmetry.
(Biol.) See the Note under Symmetry.
Zonar
Zo"nar (?), n. [Mod. Gr. Zone.] A belt or girdle which the Christians
and Jews of the Levant were obliged to wear to distinguish them from
Mohammedans. [Written also zonnar.]
Zonaria
Zo*na"ri*a (?), n. pl. [NL.] (Zo\'94l.) A division of Mammalia in
which the placenta is zonelike.
Zonate
Zon"ate (?), a. (Bot.) Divided by parallel planes; as, zonate
tetraspores, found in certain red alg\'91.
Zone
Zone (?), n. [F. zone, L. zona, Gr. j to gird, Zend y\'beh.]
1. A girdle; a cincture. [Poetic]
An embroidered zone surrounds her waist. Dryden.
Loose were her tresses seen, her zone unbound. Collins.
2. (Geog.) One of the five great divisions of the earth, with respect
to latitude and temperature.
NOTE: &hand; Th e zo nes ar e five: the torrid zone, extending from
tropic to tropic 46° 56&min;, or 23° 28&min; on each side of the
equator; two temperate or variable zones, situated between the
tropics and the polar circles; and two frigid zones, situated
between the polar circles and the poles.
Commerce . . . defies every wind, outrides every tempest, and
invades. Bancroft.
3. (Math.) The portion of the surface of a sphere included between two
parallel planes; the portion of a surface of revolution included
between two planes perpendicular to the axis. Davies & Peck (Math.
Dict.)
4. (Nat. Hist.) (a) A band or stripe extending around a body. (b) A
band or area of growth encircling anything; as, a zone of evergreens
on a mountain; the zone of animal or vegetable life in the ocean
around an island or a continent; the Alpine zone, that part of
mountains which is above the limit of tree growth.
5. (Crystallog.) A series of planes having mutually parallel
intersections.
6. Circuit; circumference. [R.] Milton.
Abyssal zone. (Phys. Geog.) See under Abyssal. -- Zone axis
(Crystallog.), a straight line passing through the center of a
crystal, to which all the planes of a given zone are parallel.
Zone
Zone, v. t. To girdle; to encircle. [R.] Keats.
Zoned
Zoned (?), a.
1. Wearing a zone, or girdle. Pope.
2. Having zones, or concentric bands; striped.
3. (Bot.) Zonate.
Zoneless
Zone"less (?), a. Not having a zone; ungirded.
The reeling goddess with the zoneless waist. Cowper.
In careless folds, loose fell her zoneless vest. Mason.
Zonnar
Zon"nar (?), n. See Zonar.
Zonular
Zon"u*lar (?), a. Of or pertaining to a zone; zone-shaped. "The
zonular type of a placenta." Dana.
Zonule
Zon"ule (?), n. A little zone, or girdle.
Zonulet
Zon"u*let (?), n. A zonule. Herrick.
Zonure
Zon"ure (?), n. [Zone + Gr. (Zo\'94l.) Any one of several of South
African lizards of the genus Zonura, common in rocky situations.
Zo\'94-
Zo"\'94- (?). A combining form from Gr. zwo^,n an animal, as in
zo\'94genic, zo\'94logy, etc.
Zo\'94chemical
Zo`\'94*chem"ic*al (?), a. Pertaining to zo\'94chemistry.
Zo\'94chemistry
Zo`\'94*chem"is*try (?), n. [Zo\'94- + chemistry.] Animal chemistry;
particularly, the description of the chemical compounds entering into
the composition of the animal body, in distinction from biochemistry.
Zo\'94chemy
Zo*\'94ch"e*my (?), n. [Zo\'94- + Gr. Animal chemistry;
zo\'94chemistry. Dunglison.
Zo\'94chlorella
Zo`\'94*chlo*rel"la (?), n. [NL., dim. from Gr. (Zo\'94l.) One of the
small green granulelike bodies found in the interior of certain
stentors, hydras, and other invertebrates.
Zo\'94cyst
Zo"\'94*cyst (?), n. [Zo\'94- + cyst.] (Biol.) A cyst formed by
certain Protozoa and unicellular plants which the contents divide into
a large number of granules, each of which becomes a germ.
Zo\'94cytium
Zo`\'94*cy"ti*um (?), n.; pl. Zo\'94cytia (#). [NL., fr. Gr.
(Zo\'94l.) The common support, often branched, of certain species of
social Infusoria.
Zo\'94dendrium
Zo`\'94*den"dri*um (?), n.; pl. Zo\'94dendria (#). [NL., fr. Gr.
(Zo\'94l.) The branched, and often treelike, support of the colonies
of certain Infusoria.
Zo\'d2cium
Zo*\'d2"ci*um (?), n.; pl. Zo\'d2cia (#). [NL., fr. Gr. (Zo\'94l.) One
of the cells or tubes which inclose the feeling zooids of Bryozoa. See
Illust. of Sea Moss.
Zo\'94erythrine
Zo`\'94*e*ryth"rine (?), n. [Zo\'94- + Gr. (Zo\'94l.) A peculiar
organic red coloring matter found in the feathers of various birds.
Zo\'94gamous
Zo*\'94g"a*mous (?), a. [Zo\'94- + Gr. (Biol.) Of or pertaining
zo\'94gamy.
Zo\'94gamy
Zo*\'94g"a*my (?), n. (Biol.) The sexual reproduction of animals.
Zo\'94genic
Zo`\'94*gen"ic (?), a. [Zo\'94- + -gen + -ic: cf. Gr. (Biol.) Of or
pertaining to zo\'94geny, animal production.
Zo\'94geny, Zo\'94gony
Zo*\'94g"e*ny (?), Zo*\'94g"o*ny (?), n. [Zo\'94- + root of Gr. The
doctrine of the formation of living beings.
Zo\'94geography
Zo`\'94*ge*og"ra*phy (?), n. [Zo\'94- + geography.] The study or
description of the geographical distribution of animals.
Zo\'94geographical
Zo`\'94*ge`o*graph"ic*al (?), a. Of or pertaining to zo\'94graphy.
Zo\'94gl\'d2a
Zo`\'94*gl\'d2"a (?), n. [NL., from Gr. (Biol.) A colony or mass of
bacteria imbedded in a viscous gelatinous substance. The zo\'94gl\'d2a
is characteristic of a transitory stage through which rapidly
multiplying bacteria pass in the course of their evolution. Also used
adjectively.
Zo\'94grapher
Zo*\'94g"ra*pher (?), n. One who describes animals, their forms and
habits.
Zo\'94graphic, Zo\'94graphical
Zo`\'94*graph"ic (?), Zo`\'94*graph"ic*al (?), a. [Cf. F.
zoographique.] Of or pertaining to the description of animals.
Zo\'94graphist
Zo*\'94g"ra*phist (?), n. A zo\'94grapher.
Zo\'94graphy
Zo*\'94g"ra*phy (?), n. [Zo\'94- + -graphy: cf. F. zoographie.] A
description of animals, their forms and habits.
Zooid
Zo"oid (?), a. [Zo\'94- + -oid.] (Biol.) Pertaining to, or resembling,
an animal.
Zooid
Zo"oid, n.
1. (Biol.) An organic body or cell having locomotion, as a spermatic
cell or spermatozooid.
2. (Zo\'94l.) (a) An animal in one of its inferior stages of
development, as one of the intermediate forms in alternate generation.
(b) One of the individual animals in a composite group, as of
Anthozoa, Hydroidea, and Bryozoa; -- sometimes restricted to those
individuals in which the mouth and digestive organs are not developed.
Zooidal
Zo*oid"al (?), a. Of or pertaining to a zooid; as, a zooidal form.
Zo\'94latry
Zo*\'94l"a*try (?), n. [Zo\'94- + Gr. The worship of animals.
Zo\'94loger
Zo*\'94l"o*ger (?), n. A zo\'94logist. Boyle.
Zo\'94logical
Zo`\'94*log"ic*al (?), a. [Cf. F. zoologique.] Of or pertaining to
zo\'94logy, or the science of animals.
Zo\'94logically
Zo`\'94*log"ic*al*ly, adv. In a zo\'94logical manner; according to the
principles of zo\'94logy.
Zo\'94logist
Zo*\'94l"o*gist (?), n. [Cf. F. zoologiste.] One who is well versed in
zo\'94logy.
Zo\'94logy
Zo*\'94l"o*gy (?), n.; pl. Zo\'94logies (#). [Zo\'94- + -logy: cf. F.
zoologie. See Zodiac.]
1. That part of biology which relates to the animal kingdom, including
the structure, embryology, evolution, classification, habits, and
distribution of all animals, both living and extinct.
2. A treatise on this science.
Zo\'94melanin
Zo`\'94*mel"a*nin (?), n. [Zo\'94- + melanin.] (Physiol. Chem.) A
pigment giving the black color to the feathers of many birds.
Zo\'94morphic
Zo`\'94*mor"phic (?), a. [Zo\'94- + Gr. Of or pertaining to
zo\'94morphism.
Zo\'94morphism
Zo`\'94*mor"phism (?), n.
1. The transformation of men into beasts. [R.] Smart.
2. The quality of representing or using animal forms; as,
zo\'94morphism in ornament.
3. The representation of God, or of gods, in the form, or with the
attributes, of the lower animals.
To avoid the error of anthropomorphism, we fall into the vastly
greater, and more absurd, error of zo\'94morphism. Mivart.
Zo\'94n
Zo"\'94n (?), n.; pl. Zoa (#). [NL., fr. Gr. (Zo\'94l.) (a) An animal
which is the sole product of a single egg; -- opposed to zooid. H.
Spencer. (b) Any one of the perfectly developed individuals of a
compound animal.
Zo\'94nic
Zo*\'94n"ic (?), a. [Gr. zoonique.] Of or pertaining to animals;
obtained from animal substances.
Zo\'94nite
Zo"\'94*nite (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) (a) One of the segments of the body of
an articulate animal. (b) One of the theoretic transverse divisions of
any segmented animal.
Zo\'94nomy
Zo*\'94n"o*my (?), n. [Zo\'94- + Gr. zoonomie.] The laws animal life,
or the science which treats of the phenomena of animal life, their
causes and relations.
Zo\'94nule
Zo"\'94*nule (?), n. [Dim. fr. Gr. (Zo\'94l.) Same as Zo\'94nite.
Zo\'94pathology
Zo`\'94*pa*thol"o*gy (?), n. [Zo\'94- + pathology.] Animal pathology.
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Zo\'94phaga
Zo*\'94ph"a*ga (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. (Zo\'94l.) An artificial
group comprising various carnivorous and insectivorous animals.
Zo\'94phagan
Zo*\'94ph"a*gan (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) A animal that feeds on animal food.
Zo\'94phagous
Zo*\'94ph"a*gous (?), a. [Gr. Feeding on animals.
NOTE: &hand; Th is is a more general term than either sarcophagous
or carnivorous.
Zo\'94philist
Zo*\'94ph"i*list (?), n. [Zo\'94- + Gr. A lover of animals. Southey.
Zo\'94phily
Zo*\'94ph"i*ly (?), n. Love of animals.
Zo\'94phite
Zo"\'94*phite (?), n. A zo\'94phyte. [R.]
Zo\'94phoric
Zo`\'94*phor"ic (?), a. [Gr. zoophorique.] Bearing or supporting the
figure of an animal; as, a zo\'94phoric column.
Zo\'94phorous
Zo*\'94ph"o*rous (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. Zo\'94phoric.] (Anc. Arch.) The
part between the architrave and cornice; the frieze; -- so called from
the figures of animals carved upon it.
Zo\'94phyta
Zo*\'94ph"y*ta (?), n. pl. [NL., from Gr. (Zo\'94l.) An extensive
artificial and heterogeneous group of animals, formerly adopted by
many zo\'94logists. It included the c&oe;lenterates, echinoderms,
sponges, Bryozoa, Protozoa, etc.
NOTE: &hand; So metimes the name is restricted to the C&oe;lentera,
or to the Anthozoa.
Zo\'94phyte
Zo"\'94*phyte (?), n. [F. zoophyte, Gr. Zodiac, and Be, v. i.]
(Zo\'94l.) (a) Any one of numerous species of invertebrate animals
which more or less resemble plants in appearance, or mode of growth,
as the corals, gorgonians, sea anemones, hydroids, bryozoans, sponges,
etc., especially any of those that form compound colonies having a
branched or treelike form, as many corals and hydroids. (b) Any one of
the Zo\'94phyta.
Zo\'94phytic, Zo\'94phytical
Zo`\'94*phyt"ic (?), Zo`\'94*phyt"ic*al (?), a. [Cf. F. zoophytique.]
(Zo\'94l.) Of or pertaining to zo\'94phytes.
Zo\'94phytoid
Zo*\'94ph"y*toid (?), a. [Zo\'94phyte + -oid.] (Zo\'94l.) Pertaining
to, or resembling, a zo\'94phyte.
Zo\'94phytological
Zo`\'94*phyt`o*log"ic*al (?), a. [Cf. F. zoophytologique.] Of or
pertaining to zo\'94phytology; as, zo\'94phytological observations.
Zo\'94phytology
Zo*\'94ph`y*tol"o*gy (?; 277), n. [Zo\'94phyte + -logy: cf. F.
zoophytologie.] The natural history zo\'94phytes.
Zo\'94praxiscope
Zo`\'94*prax"i*scope (?), n. [Zo\'94- + Gr. -scope.] An instrument
similar to, or the same as, the, the phenakistoscope, by means of
which pictures projected upon a screen are made to exhibit the natural
movements of animals, and the like.
Zo\'94psychology
Zo`\'94*psy*chol"o*gy (?), n. [Zo\'94- + psychology.] Animal
psychology.
Zo\'94sperm
Zo"\'94*sperm (?), n. [Zo\'94- + sperm.] (Biol.) One of the spermatic
particles; spermatozoid.
Zo\'94sporangium
Zo`\'94*spo*ran"gi*um (?), n.; pl. -sporangia (#). [NL. See Zo\'94-,
and Sporangium.] (Bot.) A spore, or conceptacle containing
zo\'94spores.
Zo\'94spore
Zo"\'94*spore (?), n. [Zo\'94- + spore.]
1. (Bot.) A spore provided with one or more slender cilia, by the
vibration of which it swims in the water. Zo\'94spores are produced by
many green, and by some olive-brown, alg\'91. In certain species they
are divided into the larger macrozo\'94spores and the smaller
microzo\'94spores. Called also sporozoid, and swarmspore.
2. (Zo\'94l.) See Swarmspore.
Zo\'94sporic
Zo`\'94*spor"ic (?), a. Of or pertaining to zo\'94spores; of the
nature of zo\'94spores.
Zo\'94tic
Zo*\'94t"ic (?), a. [Gr. Containing the remains of organized bodies;
-- said of rock or soil.
Zo\'94tomical
Zo`\'94*tom"ic*al (?), a. [Cf. F. zootomique.] Of or pertaining to
zo\'94tomy.
Zo\'94tomist
Zo*\'94t"o*mist (?), n. [Cf. F. zootomiste.] One who dissects animals,
or is skilled in zo\'94tomy.
Zo\'94tomy
Zo*\'94t"o*my (?), n. [Zo\'94- + Gr. zootomie.] The dissection or the
anatomy of animals; -- distinguished from androtomy.
Zo\'94trophic
Zo`\'94*troph"ic (?), a. [Gr. Zo\'94-, and Trophic.] (Physiol.) Of or
pertaining to the nourishment of animals.
Zoozoo
Zoo"zoo` (?), n. [Of imitative origin.] (Zo\'94l.) The wood pigeon.
[Prov. Eng.]
Zope
Zope (?), n. [G.] (Zo\'94l.) A European fresh-water bream (Abramis
ballerus).
Zopilote
Zo"pi*lote (?), n. [Sp.] (Zo\'94l.) The urubu, or American black
vulture.
Zoril
Zor"il (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) Same as Zorilla.
Zorilla
Zo*ril"la (?), n. [Sp. zorilla, zorillo, dim. of zorra, zorro, a fox:
cf. F. zorille.] (Zo\'94l.) Either one of two species of small African
carnivores of the genus Ictonyx allied to the weasels and skunks.
[Written also zoril, and zorille.]
NOTE: &hand; Th e be st-known sp ecies (I ctonyx zorilla) has black
shiny fur with white bands and spots. It has anal glands which
produce a very offensive secretion, similar to that of the skunk.
It feeds upon birds and their eggs and upon small mammals, and is
often very destructive to poultry. It is sometimes tamed by the
natives, and kept to destroy rats and mice. Called also mariput,
Cape polecat, and African polecat. The name is sometimes
erroneously applied to the American skunk.
Zoroastrian
Zo`ro*as"tri*an (?), a. Of or pertaining to Zoroaster, or his
religious system.
Zoroastrian
Zo`ro*as"tri*an (?), n. A follower of Zoroaster; one who accepts
Zoroastrianism.
Zoroastrianism
Zo`ro*as"tri*an*ism (?), n. The religious system of Zoroaster, the
legislator and prophet of the ancient Persians, which was the national
faith of Persia; mazdeism. The system presupposes a good spirit
(Ormuzd) and an opposing evil spirit (Ahriman). Cf. Fire worship,
under Fire, and Parsee.
Zoroastrism
Zo`ro*as"trism (?), n. Same as Zoroastrianism. Tylor.
Zoster
Zos"ter (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. Zone.] (Med.) Shingles.
Zostera
Zos"te*ra (?), n. [NL.] (Bot.) A genus of plants of the Naiadace\'91,
or Pondweed family. Zostera marina is commonly known as sea wrack, and
eelgrass.
Zosterops
Zos"ter*ops (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. (Zo\'94l.) A genus of birds that
comprises the white-eyes. See White-eye.
Zouave
Zouave (?; 277), n. [F., fr. Ar. Zouaoua a tribe of Kabyles living
among the Jurjura mountains in Algeria.] (Mil.) (a) One of an active
and hardy body of soldiers in the French service, originally Arabs,
but now composed of Frenchmen who wear the Arab dress. (b) Hence, one
of a body of soldiers who adopt the dress and drill of the Zouaves, as
was done by a number of volunteer regiments in the army of the United
States in the Civil War, 1861-65.
Zounds
Zounds (?), interj. [Contracted from God's wounds.] An exclamation
formerly used as an oath, and an expression of anger or wonder.
Zoutch
Zoutch (?; 277), v. t. (Cookery) To stew, as flounders, eels, etc.,
with just enough or liquid to cover them. Smart.
Zubr
Zubr (?), n. [Polish .] (Zo\'94l.) The aurochs.
Zuche
Zuche (?), n. A stump of a tree. Cowell.
Zuchetto
Zu*chet"to (?), n. [It. zucchetto.] (R. C. Ch.) A skullcap covering
the tonsure, worn under the berretta. The pope's is white; a
cardinal's red; a bishop's purple; a priest's black.
Zufolo
Zu"fo*lo (?; 277), n. [It.] (Mus.) A little flute or flageolet,
especially that which is used to teach birds. [Written also zuffolo.]
Zuisin
Zui"sin (?), n. (Zo\'94l.) The American widgeon. [Local, U. S.]
Zulus
Zu"lus (?), n. pl.; sing. Zulu (. (Ethnol.) The most important tribe
belonging to the Kaffir race. They inhabit a region on the southeast
coast of Africa, but formerly occupied a much more extensive country.
They are noted for their warlike disposition, courage, and military
skill.
Zumbooruk
Zum*boo"ruk (?), n. [Turk. & Ar. zamb, fr. Ar. zamb a hornet.] (Mil.)
A small cannon supported by a swiveled rest on the back of a camel,
whence it is fired, -- used in the East.
Zumic, a., Zumological
Zu"mic (?), a., Zu`mo*log"ic*al (, a., Zu*mol"o*gy (, n., Zu*mom"e*ter
(, n., etc. See Zymic, Zymological, etc.
Zu&ntil;is
Zu"&ntil;is (?), n. pl.; sing. Zu&ntil;i (. (Ethnol.) A tribe of
Pueblo Indians occupying a village in New Mexico, on the Zu&ntil;i
River.
Zunyite
Zun"yite (?), n. (Min.) A fluosilicate of alumina occurring in
tetrahedral crystals at the Zu&ntil;i mine in Colorado.
Zwanziger
Zwan"zi*ger (?), n. [G.] Am Austrian silver coin equivalent to 20
kreutzers, or about 10 cents.
Zygantrum
Zy*gan"trum (?), n.; pl. Zygantra (#). [Gr. (Anat.) See under
Zygosphene.
Zygapophysis
Zyg`a*poph"y*sis (?), n.; pl. Zygapophyses (#). [Gr. apophysis.]
(Anat.) One of the articular processes of a vertebra, of which there
are usually four, two anterior and two posterior. See under Vertebra.
-- Zyg`ap*o*phys"i*al (#), a.
Zygenid
Zyg"e*nid (?), n. [Cf. Gr. (Zo\'94l.) Any one of numerous species of
moths of the family Zyg\'91nid\'91, most of which are bright colored.
The wood nymph and the vine forester are examples. Also used
adjectively.
Zygobranchia
Zyg`o*bran"chi*a (?), n. pl. [NL., from Gr. (Zo\'94l.) A division of
marine gastropods in which the gills are developed on both sides of
the body and the renal organs are also paired. The abalone (Haliotis)
and the keyhole limpet (Fissurella) are examples.
Zygobranchiate
Zyg`o*bran"chi*ate (?), a. (Zo\'94l.) Of or pertaining to the
Zygobranchia.
Zygodactyl, Zygodactyle
Zyg`o*dac"tyl, Zyg`o*dac"tyle (?), n. [See Zygodactylic.] (Zo\'94l.)
Any zygodactylous bird.
Zygodactyl\'91
Zyg`o*dac"ty*l\'91 (?), n. pl. [NL.] (Zo\'94l.) The zygodactylous
birds. In a restricted sense applied to a division of birds which
includes the barbets, toucans, honey guides, and other related birds.
Zygodactyli
Zyg`o*dac"ty*li (?), n. pl. [NL.] (Zo\'94l.) Same as Scansores.
Zygodactylic, Zygodactylous
Zyg`o*dac"ty*lic (?), Zyg`o*dac"tyl*ous (?; 277), a. [Gr.
zygodactyle.] (Zo\'94l.) Yoke-footed; having the toes disposed in
pairs; -- applied to birds which have two toes before and two behind,
as the parrot, cuckoo, woodpecker, etc.
Zygoma
Zy*go"ma (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. (Anat.) (a) The jugal, malar, or cheek
bone. (b) The zygomatic process of the temporal bone. (c) The whole
zygomatic arch.
Zygomatic
Zyg`o*mat"ic (?; 277), a. [Cf. F. zygomatique.] (Anat.) Of, pertaining
to, or in the region of, the zygoma. Zygomatic arch, the arch of bone
beneath the orbit, formed in most mammals by the union of the malar,
or jugal, with the zygomatic process of the temporal bone. In the
lower vertebrates other bones may help to form it, and there may be
two arches on each side of the skull, as in some reptiles. --
Zygomatic process, a process of the temporal or squamosal bone helping
to form the zygomatic arch.
Zygomorphic, Zygomorphous
Zyg`o*mor"phic (?), Zyg`o*mor"phous (?), a. [Gr. (Biol.) Symmetrical
bilaterally; -- said of organisms, or parts of organisms, capable of
division into two symmetrical halves only in a single plane.
Zyophyte
Zy"o*phyte (?), n. [Gr. (Bot.) Any plant of a proposed class or grand
division (Zygophytes, Zygophyta, or Zygospore\'91), in which
reproduction consists in the union of two similar cells. Cf.
O\'94phyte.
Zygosis
Zy*go"sis (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. (Biol.) Same as Conjugation.
Zygosperm
Zyg"o*sperm (?), n. [Gr. sperm.] (Bot.) A spore formed by the union of
the contents of two similar cells, either of the same or of distinct
individual plants. Zygosperms are found in certain orders of alg\'91
and fungi.
Zygosphene
Zyg"o*sphene (?), n. [Gr. (Anat.) A median process on the front part
of the neural arch of the vertebr\'91 of most snakes and some lizards,
which fits into a fossa, called the zygantrum, on the back part of the
arch in front.
Zygospore
Zyg"o*spore (?), n. [Gr. spore.] (Bot.) (a) Same as Zygosperm. (b) A
spore formed by the union of several zo\'94spores; -- called also
zygozo\'94spore.
Zylonite
Zy"lon*ite (?), n. [Gr. Celluloid.
Zymase
Zym"ase (?), n. [From Zyme.] (Physiol. Chem.) A soluble ferment, or
enzyme. See Enzyme.
Zyme
Zyme (?), n. [Gr.
1. A ferment.
2. (Med.) The morbific principle of a zymotic disease. Quain.
Zymic
Zym"ic (?), a. (Old Chem.) Pertaining to, or produced by,
fermentation; -- formerly, by confusion, used to designate lactic
acid.
Zymogen
Zym"o*gen (?), n. [Zyme + -gen.] (Physiol. Chem.) A mother substance,
or antecedent, of an enzyme or chemical ferment; -- applied to such
substances as, not being themselves actual ferments, may by internal
changes give rise to a ferment.
The pancreas contains but little ready-made ferment, though there
is present in it a body, zymogen, which gives birth to the ferment.
Foster.
Zymogene
Zym"o*gene (?), n. [Zyme + root of Gr. (Biol.) One of a physiological
group of globular bacteria which produces fermentations of diverse
nature; -- distinguished from pathogene.
Zymogenic
Zym`o*gen"ic (?), a. (Biol.) (a) Pertaining to, or formed by, a
zymogene. (b) Capable of producing a definite zymogen or ferment.
Zymogenic organism (Biol.), a micro\'94rganism, such as the yeast
plant of the Bacterium lactis, which sets up certain fermentative
processes by which definite chemical products are formed; --
distinguished from a pathogenic organism. Cf. Micrococcus.
Zymologic, Zymological
Zy`mo*log"ic (?), Zy`mo*log"ic*al (?), a. [Cf. F. zymologique.] Of or
pertaining to zymology.
Zymologist
Zy*mol"o*gist (?), n. One who is skilled in zymology, or in the
fermentation of liquors.
Zymology
Zy*mol"o*gy (?), n. [Zyme + -logy: cf. F. zymologie.] A treatise on
the fermentation of liquors, or the doctrine of fermentation. [Written
also zumology.]
Zymome
Zy"mome (?), n. [Gr. (Old Chem.) A glutinous substance, insoluble in
alcohol, resembling legumin; -- now called vegetable fibrin, vegetable
albumin, or gluten casein.
Zymometer, Zymosimeter
Zy*mom"e*ter (?), Zy`mo*sim"e*ter (?), n. [Gr. -meter: cf. F.
zymosim\'8atre.] An instrument for ascertaining the degree of
fermentation occasioned by the mixture of different liquids, and the
degree of heat which they acquire in fermentation.
Zymophyte
Zym"o*phyte (?), n. [Zyme + Gr. (Physiol. Chem.) A bacteroid ferment.
Zymose
Zy*mose" (?), n. (Chem.) Invertin.
Zymosis
Zy*mo"sis, n. [NL., fr. Gr. (Med.) (a) A fermentation; hence, an
analogous process by which an infectious disease is believed to be
developed. (b) A zymotic disease. [R.]
Zymotic
Zy*mot"ic (?), a. [Gr.
1. Of, pertaining to, or caused by, fermentation.
2. (Med.) Designating, or pertaining to, a certain class of diseases.
See Zymotic disease, below.
Zymotic disease (Med.), any epidemic, endemic, contagious, or sporadic
affection which is produced by some morbific principle or organism
acting on the system like a ferment.<-- now infectious disease. -->
Zythem
Zy"them (?), n. See Zythum.
Zythepsary
Zy*thep"sa*ry (?), n. [Gr. A brewery. [R.]
Zythum
Zy"thum (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. A kind of ancient malt beverage; a liquor
made from malt and wheat. [Written also zythem.] <-- End of main
(1890) section of the dictionary. See also the "Department of New
Words" -->