Materials & Substances
Metals, liquids, chemicals, fabrics, and what things are made of.
546 words
Download MarkdownSome words in this topic are A2–C2 — part of Pro. A1 words are always free.
Go ProA1 (14)
water
A1
/ˈwɔ.tɚ/
The clear liquid that falls as rain and that people and animals need to live.
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paper
A1
/ˈpeɪ̯.pəɹ/
A thin, flat material used for writing, drawing, or printing on.
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key
A1
/ki/
A small metal object that you use to lock or unlock a door, start a car, etc.
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ice
A1
[ʌɪs]
Water that has frozen into a hard, cold solid.
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glass
A1
/ɡlæs/
A hard, transparent material used for windows and bottles.
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bottle
A1
/ˈbɑ.tl̩/
A container, usually made of glass or plastic with a narrow neck, used for holding liquids.
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pool
A1
/puːl/
A small amount of liquid lying on a surface.
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paint
A1
/peɪnt/
A coloured liquid that is spread onto a surface and dries to protect it or add colour.
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sugar
A1
/ˈʃʊɡ.ɚ/
A sweet white or brown substance used to flavour food and drink.
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juice
A1
/dʒus/
The liquid that comes from fruit or vegetables, often drunk as a cold drink.
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ruler
A1
/ˈɹulɚ/
A flat, straight strip of wood, plastic, or metal marked with units, used for measuring or drawing straight lines.
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kite
A1
/kaɪt/
A light frame covered with paper or fabric, flown in the wind on a long string.
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break apart
A1
to separate into smaller pieces or distinct parts
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wear off
A1
to become reduced or removed through rubbing or use
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A2 (43) Pro
drop
A2
/dɹɑp/
A very small amount of liquid that forms a rounded shape.
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land
A2
/lænd/
The solid, dry part of the earth's surface.
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rock
A2
/rɑk/
The hard solid material that forms part of the Earth's surface; a large stone.
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ring
A2
/rɪŋ/
A circular band of metal or other material worn on the finger.
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ground
A2
/ɡraʊnd/
The solid surface of the Earth that you walk on.
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gold
A2
/ɡoʊld/
A heavy, shiny yellow metal that is very valuable, used for jewellery and coins.
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board
A2
/bɔɹd/
A long, flat, thin piece of wood or other material.
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smoke
A2
/smoʊk/
The grey or black cloud of gas and tiny particles that rises from something burning.
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gas
A2
/ɡæs/
A substance like air that is neither solid nor liquid and spreads to fill any space.
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hole
A2
/hoʊl/
An opening or empty space in a solid object or surface.
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stone
A2
/stoʊ̯n/
The hard substance that rock is made of, often used as a building material.
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drug
A2
/ˈdrʌg/
An illegal substance taken for pleasure that can be addictive, such as cocaine.
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tape
A2
/ˈteɪp/
A thin strip of material with a sticky surface, used for fixing or sticking things together.
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oil
A2
/ɔɪl/
A thick liquid from plants or animals used in cooking.
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silver
A2
/ˈsɪl.vɚ/
A shiny, valuable greyish-white metal used for jewellery, coins, and tableware.
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wood
A2
/wʊd/
The hard material that trees are made of, used for building and making things.
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metal
A2
/ˈmɛ.təl/
A hard, usually shiny material such as iron, gold, or copper that conducts heat and electricity.
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material
A2
/məˈtɪɹ.i.əl/
A substance that something is made from.
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chain
A2
/ˈt͡ʃeɪn/
A row of connected metal rings, used for pulling, holding, or as jewellery.
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salt
A2
/sɔlt/
A white substance used to add flavour to food and to preserve it.
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plastic
A2
/ˈplæstɪk/
A light artificial material that can be shaped, used to make many everyday objects.
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sweat
A2
/swɛt/
The salty liquid that comes out of your skin when you are hot, ill, or nervous.
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sauce
A2
/sɔs/
A thick or liquid mixture served with or on food to add flavour.
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chip
A2
/tʃɪp/
A small piece broken off from a larger solid object.
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B1 (65) Pro
bell
B1
/bɛl/
A hollow metal object, often cup-shaped, that rings when it is struck.
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bullet
B1
/ˈbʊl.ɪt/
A small piece of metal that is fired from a gun
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poison
B1
/ˈpoɪ.zən/
A substance that can harm or kill a living thing if it is swallowed, breathed in, or absorbed.
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iron
B1
/æːn/
A common hard grey metal that rusts and is used to make steel
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wire
B1
/ˈwaɪɚ/
A thin thread of metal, often used to carry electricity.
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tank
B1
/ˈtæŋk/
A large container for holding liquid or gas.
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solid
B1
/ˈsɑ.lɪd/
Hard and firm, keeping its shape; not liquid or gas.
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dirt
B1
/dɝt/
A substance such as mud or dust that makes things unclean.
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steel
B1
/stiːl/
A strong, hard metal made from iron, used in building and tools.
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pipe
B1
/ˈpaɪp/
A tube through which liquid or gas can flow.
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oxygen
B1
/ˈɑk.sɪ.d͡ʒən/
A colourless, odourless gas that humans and animals need to breathe and that makes up part of the air.
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pin
B1
/ˈpɪn/
A short, thin piece of metal with a sharp point, used to fasten things together.
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powder
B1
/ˈpaʊdɚ/
A dry substance made of very fine particles.
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pole
B1
/pɒl/
A long, thin, rounded piece of wood or metal used to hold or support something.
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foundation
B1
/ˌfæʊ̯nˈdeɪ̯ʃən/
The solid structure built underground that supports a building.
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needle
B1
/ˈniːdəl/
A thin, pointed metal tool used for sewing, with a hole at one end for thread.
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steam
B1
/stiːm/
The hot gas that water turns into when it boils.
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cotton
B1
/ˈkɑt.n̩/
A soft cloth or thread made from the cotton plant.
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rubber
B1
/ˈɹʌbɚ/
A strong, stretchy material made from the sap of a tree or made artificially.
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carpet
B1
/ˈkɑɹ.pət/
A thick fabric used to cover a floor.
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liquid
B1
/ˈlɪk.wɪd/
A substance that flows freely, like water, and takes the shape of its container.
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tin
B1
/tɪn/
A sealed metal container used to keep food or drink fresh.
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plug
B1
/plʌɡ/
The object with metal pins at the end of an electrical wire that you put into a socket.
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bubble
B1
/ˈbʌb.l̩/
A thin ball of liquid filled with air or gas
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B2 (87) Pro
DNA
B2
/ˌdiˌɛnˈeɪ/
The substance in living cells that carries genetic information and passes on characteristics.
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hook
B2
/hʊk/
A curved piece of metal or plastic used to hang, hold, or catch things.
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badge
B2
/bæd͡ʒ/
A small piece of metal, plastic, or cloth worn to show who you are, your rank, or that you belong to a group.
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leak
B2
/liːk/
A hole or crack that lets liquid or gas pass through by accident.
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patch
B2
/pæt͡ʃ/
A piece of material used to cover and repair a hole in clothing or another object.
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sack
B2
/ˈsæk/
A large bag made of strong material like cloth or paper, used for carrying things.
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dough
B2
/doʊ/
a thick, moldable mixture of flour and liquid, often with other ingredients, that is baked into bread or pastry
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shield
B2
/ˈʃiːld/
A broad piece of metal, wood, or other material held in the hand to protect the body in battle.
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beam
B2
/biːm/
A long, thick piece of wood or metal used to support a building or structure.
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acid
B2
/ˈæsəd/
A chemical substance, often sour or corrosive, that reacts with bases and can dissolve metals.
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flame
B2
/fleɪm/
The bright burning gas you see in a fire.
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gum
B2
/ɡʌm/
A sweet, soft substance that you chew but do not swallow.
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spray
B2
/spɹeɪ/
Tiny drops of liquid blown or scattered through the air.
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concrete
B2
/ˌkɑnˈkɹit/
a hard building material made by mixing cement, sand, and water
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drain
B2
/dɹeɪn/
A pipe or channel that carries away waste water or liquid.
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copper
B2
/ˈkɑpəɹ/
A soft reddish-brown metal (symbol Cu) used in wires, pipes, and coins.
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compound²
B2
/kəmˈpaʊnd/
to make a problem or bad situation worse
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fluid
B2
/ˈfluɪd/
A liquid; a substance that flows.
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pad
B2
/pæd/
A thick, soft piece of material used for protection, comfort, or to absorb liquid.
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thread
B2
/θɹɛd/
A thin strand of cotton, silk, or other material used for sewing.
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fabric
B2
/ˈfæb.ɹɪk/
Cloth or material made by weaving or knitting threads together.
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anchor
B2
/ˈæŋ.kɚ/
A heavy metal object dropped from a boat to stop it from moving.
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rug
B2
/ɹʌɡ/
A thick piece of fabric used to cover part of a floor.
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urine
B2
/ˈjʊrɪn/
the liquid waste produced by the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and discharged from the body
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C1 (64) Pro
rick
C1
/ɹɪk/
a stack of hay, straw, or similar material stored outdoors, often under thatch
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hank
C1
/hæŋk/
a coil, loop, or bundle of yarn, rope, hair, or other long flexible material
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crystal
C1
/ˈkɹɪstəl/
A clear, solid mineral form with a regular geometric shape; high-quality clear glass.
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scum
C1
/skʌm/
a film of foam, dirt, impurities, or vegetation that forms on the surface of a liquid
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rod
C1
/ɹɑd/
A long, thin, straight bar or stick of wood or metal.
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mole
C1
/mɒʊl/
A massive structure, usually of stone, used as a pier, breakwater or junction between places separated by water.
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grease
C1
/ɡɹis/
a thick oily or fatty substance, especially one used to lubricate machinery
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foam
C1
/foʊm/
a mass of small bubbles formed in or on a liquid
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strap
C1
/stɹæp/
A narrow strip of leather, cloth, or other material used to fasten, carry, or hold something.
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stud
C1
/stʌd/
a small projecting fastener or ornament, usually made of metal
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plumbing
C1
/ˈplʌmɪŋ/
The pipes and fixtures that carry water, gas, or sewage in a building.
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duct
C1
/dʌkt/
a bodily passage or tube lined with epithelial cells and conveying a secretion or other substance
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texture
C1
/ˈtɛkst͡ʃɚ/
The way a surface or material feels when you touch it.
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garland
C1
/ˈɡɑːr.lənd/
a decorative chain or ring of flowers, leaves, or other material, worn or hung as an ornament
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pipeline
C1
/ˈpaɪpˌlaɪn/
A long pipe used to carry oil, gas, or water over a distance.
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cavity
C1
/ˈkæv.ɪt.i/
A hole or hollow space inside a solid object.
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incense²
C1
/ɪnˈsɛns/
To make someone extremely angry.
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plaque
C1
/plak/
A flat piece of metal, stone, or wood with writing on it, fixed to a wall or monument to remember a person or event.
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methane
C1
/ˈmɛθeɪn/
the simplest hydrocarbon, CH4, a colorless flammable gas that is the principal component of natural gas and a powerful greenhouse gas
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utility
C1
/juˈtɪl.ə.ti/
A basic public service such as electricity, gas, or water supplied to homes and businesses.
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slag
C1
/slæɡ/
waste material separated from metal during smelting or refining
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thong
C1
/θɔŋ/
a narrow strip of leather or another flexible material, especially one used as a fastening
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wad
C1
/wɑːd/
a small, compact mass of soft material, such as cotton, paper, or cloth
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nugget
C1
/ˈnʌɡ.ɪt/
a naturally occurring solid lump of a precious metal, especially gold
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C2 (189) Pro
japan
C2
/dʒəˈpæn/
a hard, usually dark lacquer or enamel used to give wood or metal a durable glossy finish
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sal
C2
/sæl/
salt, especially in traditional chemical or pharmaceutical names such as sal volatile
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velvet
C2
/ˈvɛlvɪt/
A closely woven fabric (originally of silk, now also of cotton or man-made fibres) with a thick short pile on one side.
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splinter
C2
/ˈsplɪn.tɚ/
A small, thin, sharp piece of wood, glass, or metal.
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serge
C2
/sɝːdʒ/
a strong twill-weave fabric, traditionally made of wool or worsted and often used for suits and uniforms
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puddle
C2
/ˈpʌdl̩/
a small, shallow pool of water or another liquid, especially one formed by rain
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ore
C2
/oɹ/
Rock from which valuable metal or minerals can be extracted.
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chime
C2
/ˈtʃaɪm/
a melodious ringing sound, or a set of tuned bells or metal bars that produces it
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hoop
C2
/huːp/
a rigid circular or curved band of metal, wood, or another material, used for holding, fastening, hanging, or forming a framework
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slab
C2
/slæb/
A large, flat, thick piece of solid material such as stone, concrete, or wood.
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nebula
C2
/ˈnebjələ/
an interstellar cloud of gas and dust, often associated with the formation or death of stars
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terra
C2
/ˈtɛˌrɑː/
earth, land, or solid ground, especially in the Latin expression terra firma
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commodity
C2
/kəˈmɑdəti/
A raw material or basic product that is bought and sold in large amounts, such as oil or grain.
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gauze
C2
/ɡɔːz/
A similar bleached cotton fabric used as a surgical dressing.
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blob
C2
/blɑb/
a small rounded or shapeless amount of a thick liquid or soft substance
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bale
C2
/beɪl/
a large quantity of material compressed and tightly bound for storage or transport
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boa
C2
/ˈboʊ.ə/
a long decorative scarf made of feathers, fur, or a similar fluffy material
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gunny
C2
/ˈɡʌni/
a coarse, strong fabric made from jute or hemp, especially for sacks
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krypton
C2
/ˈkɹɪp.tɑːn/
the colorless, odorless noble-gas chemical element with symbol Kr and atomic number 36
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muff
C2
/mʌf/
a tube of fur or warm fabric into which both hands are placed for warmth
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nitrate
C2
/ˈnaɪ.treɪt/
a salt or ester of nitric acid, containing the nitrate ion or nitrate group
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mesh
C2
/mɛʃ/
A material made of connected threads, wire, or rope with small evenly spaced holes.
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beryl
C2
/ˈbɛr.əl/
a hard mineral that is the chief ore of beryllium and occurs in gemstone varieties such as emerald and aquamarine
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seam
C2
/siːm/
a line where two pieces of cloth, leather, or similar material are joined, usually by sewing
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C2+ (84) Pro
cannon
C2+
/ˈkæn.ən/
a large heavy gun for firing metal balls or shells
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lantern
C2+
/ˈlæ̝ntɚn/
An open structure of light material set upon a roof, to give light and air to the interior.
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flannel
C2+
/ˈflænəl/
A soft cloth material originally woven from wool, today often combined with cotton or synthetic fibers.
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rivet
C2+
/ˈɹɪvət/
a metal pin fastened by hammering one end flat
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solder
C2+
/ˈsɑd.ɚ/
an alloy, usually of lead and tin, used when melted to join two metal surfaces
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lambswool
C2+
/ˈlæmz.wʊl/
soft wool or woolen fabric from the first shearing of young sheep
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trousering
C2+
/ˈtraʊ.zɚ.ɪŋ/
cloth suitable for making trousers, especially material sold or discussed for that purpose
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linsey-woolsey
C2+
/ˌlɪnziˈwʊlzi/
a coarse, sturdy fabric woven with a linen or cotton warp and a woolen weft
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germplasm
C2+
/ˈdʒɝːmˌplæzəm/
the hereditary material of a species or breeding line, especially as transmitted through reproductive cells
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spilth
C2+
/spɪlθ/
Spillage; spilled material
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alloy
C2+
/ˈælɔɪ/
a metal made by combining two or more elements
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impurity
C2+
/ɪmˈpjʊrəti/
a contaminating substance, or the state of being impure
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billy
C2+
/ˈbɪli/
a metal cooking pot or pail used over a campfire; also a short club
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consistence
C2+
/kənˈsɪstəns/
the degree of firmness or density of a substance; consistency
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foodstuff
C2+
/ˈfudˌstʌf/
any substance used or suitable as food
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mat
C2+
/mæt/
a piece of coarse fabric for the floor; also to become tangled
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textile
C2+
/ˈtɛkstaɪl/
a type of cloth or woven fabric
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adhesive
C2+
/ədˈhiːsɪv/
a substance used to stick objects together; sticky
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affluence
C2+
/ˈæfluəns/
an abundance of wealth or material possessions
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precipitant
C2+
/prɪˈsɪpɪtənt/
a substance causing a precipitate; acting with sudden haste
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scoop
C2+
/skup/
a utensil for lifting loose material, or an exclusive news story
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tierce
C2+
/tɪrs/
a third in fencing, music, or cards; an old liquid measure of a cask
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adulterant
C2+
/əˈdʌltərənt/
a substance added to dilute or debase something, especially a foodstuff
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agonist
C2+
/ˈæɡənɪst/
a contender or protagonist; (pharmacology) a substance that triggers a response
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