Words starting with C

A thick insulated wire or group of wires used to carry electricity, internet, or other signals. It can also mean a strong rope made of wires.

A steady, rhythmic flow in speech, music, or movement.

A cadenza is a long, showy solo passage in a piece of music, usually near the end. The performer often plays it with little or no accompaniment.

A very serious event causing great damage, suffering, or loss; a disaster.

Containing or made of calcium carbonate. Calcareous rocks, soil, or shells often feel chalky or hard.

Growing on or living in chalky or limestone-rich soil or rock. It is used mainly in biology and ecology.

To turn into a hard, stone-like substance, or to make something do this. Doctors also use it for calcium building up in the body.

A calendar is a chart or system that shows the days, weeks, and months of a year. People use it to check dates and plan events.

To check and adjust a measuring tool so it gives correct results. People do this before using scientific, medical, or technical equipment.

To say something to someone in order to get their attention, contact them, or ask them to come. It can also mean to telephone someone.

to stop working or doing something for the rest of the day. People say it when they want to end work, a meeting, or an activity.

Calligraphic means related to beautiful handwriting or written letters that are made to look artistic. It often describes writing, lettering, or a style that looks carefully shaped.

Showing no concern or sympathy for other people's feelings or pain. A callous person knows that others are suffering but does not care. This word carries a moral judgment — it suggests the person should feel something but has chosen not to.

Calm means quiet, peaceful, and not worried or angry. A calm person or place feels relaxed and steady.

A device that records photographs or video. It captures images using a lens and digital sensor or film.

A casual phrase used to say you are too shocked, angry, amused, or overwhelmed to continue. It often stands for a longer reaction like "I can't even deal with this."

The quality of speaking openly and honestly, especially about something difficult or uncomfortable. It means saying what you truly think without hiding it, but still with respect for the other person.

To make something follow a standard, official, or accepted form. In computing, it often means turning data or a name into one fixed form.

To officially declare someone a saint in the Christian church. This is a formal religious act.

The division of a forest's tree canopy into different layers, such as upper, middle, and lower levels. It describes how plants grow at different heights and use different amounts of light.

bad-tempered and often rude; prone to anger or complaints.

A strong, heavy cloth used for sails, tents, bags, shoes, and painting surfaces. It is also the surface artists paint on.

A canyon is a deep, narrow valley with steep sides. It is often formed by a river cutting through rock over a long time.

An increase in the value of an asset, such as shares, property, or land, over time. People use it when the asset is worth more than when it was bought.

To use something to get an advantage from it, or to make the best use of it. It often means taking a chance, skill, or resource and turning it into success.

Likely to change suddenly and without a clear reason. A capricious person or thing is unpredictable and hard to rely on. The change is often based on a passing mood rather than logic.

To attract and hold attention completely; to charm deeply.

To catch or take control of a person, animal, place, or thing. It can also mean to record or show something clearly, like a feeling, image, or idea.

To heat sugar until it turns brown and has a sweet, rich flavor. You can also caramelize onions or fruit by cooking them slowly until they brown and taste sweeter.

Caramelized food has been cooked until its sugars turn brown and sweet. It often tastes richer and has a deeper flavour.

To eat a lot of carbohydrate-rich food before exercise or a sports event. People do this to store more energy in the body.

Carbon is a chemical element with the symbol C. It is found in all living things and in many fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas.

In a careful way, with attention to detail, safety, or accuracy. It means you do something slowly enough to avoid mistakes or damage.

To hold something and take it from one place to another. It can also mean to have something with you.

A cash desk is the place in a shop where you pay for goods. It is usually a counter or small station with a cash register.

Money that enters and leaves a business, person, or project over time. It shows how much cash is available at a given moment.

A rich French dish made with white beans and meat, usually slow-cooked for a long time. It is heavy, filling, and often served as a main meal.

A catalyst is a substance that makes a chemical reaction happen faster, without being changed itself. In general English, it is something or someone that causes a change or helps it start.

A catalytic change or action causes something else to happen faster or more easily. It often describes a person, event, or idea that starts a larger change.

To make a process start or happen faster. It often means one event, person, or thing causes important change.

To start liking someone in a romantic way, usually after spending time with them. It often suggests the feelings were not planned.

To start feeling romantic attraction or emotional attachment to someone. It usually means the feelings are becoming stronger and may not be fully controlled.

If a statement is categorical, it is direct, clear, and leaves no doubt. It does not sound weak, unsure, or open to argument.

Trapped in a difficult situation, often because of lies, debt, rules, or a complicated plan. It suggests that escape is hard and the problem keeps spreading.

A theory or explanation that says something happens because of the powers or abilities a thing has. It is often used in philosophy and academic writing.

Causality is the idea that one thing causes another thing to happen. It is the link between a cause and its result.

In a careful way, so you avoid danger, mistakes, or bad results. It can also mean doing something slowly and with doubt.

Showing little respect or care, with a dismissive attitude.

The smallest basic unit of living things. All plants and animals are made of cells.

Strong disapproval or official criticism for something wrong or careless. Less severe than punishment but clearly negative. (Noun). / The expression of severe disapproval; a reprimand (Verb). / To criticize or rebuke strongly. /

The most important or eye-catching part of a display, meal, event, or design. It sits in the middle and draws attention.

A machine that spins very fast to separate substances of different densities. It is often used in laboratories and medical tests.

Ceramics are objects made from clay and hardened by heat, such as pots, tiles, and plates. It also means the art or study of making these objects.

Known without doubt. It means you are sure something is true, or something will happen.

The act of stopping something and not continuing it.

Chagrin is a feeling of embarrassment, disappointment, or annoyance after a mistake, failure, or awkward situation.

A challenge is something difficult that tests your skill, strength, or patience. It can also be a problem or situation that needs effort to deal with.

An act or process of becoming different. It can be a small adjustment or a big shift in situation, shape, or idea.

A change of heart is a change in someone's feelings, opinion, or decision. It often happens after thinking again or feeling differently.

to change the basic way people think about or judge a situation, so the outcome or balance is different. It is often used in formal writing.

Cured meats such as ham, salami, and sausage, often served on a board with cheese, bread, and pickles. In modern English, it can also mean the whole arranged snack or appetizer platter.

An amount of money you must pay for a service, use, or product. It can also mean a cost added to a bill.

A charger is a device that puts electricity into a battery, especially for a phone or laptop.

The personal quality that makes people admire and want to follow you; compelling charm and appeal.

Charred means burned on the outside, often until black. It is usually used for food, wood, or surfaces after strong heat.

To chase-rainbows means to keep trying for something beautiful, exciting, or impossible that you are unlikely to get. It is often used for dreams that sound nice but are not practical.

A very large gap, often used for differences or disagreements between people or groups.

Something that is cheap costs less money than most similar things. It can also mean something is low in quality because it costs very little.

In a low-cost way, or for a small amount of money. It can also mean in a poor or low-quality way.

A cheat meal is a planned meal in which someone eats foods they usually avoid while dieting or following a strict eating plan. It is often used as a reward or break from the diet.

Cheerful means happy, bright, and pleasant. A cheerful person, place, or voice makes other people feel more comfortable.

Cheesy means not sincere, not stylish, or too sentimental in a way that can seem silly. It is often used for jokes, lines, clothes, or music that feel cheap or overdone.

To cook in a showy, skilful, or improvising way, as if acting like a chef. It is informal and playful, and often suggests making a dish look special.

A gesture of approval for something very good, especially food, style, or a perfect result. It usually means "excellent" or "perfectly done."

Made of or used in chemistry. It describes substances, processes, or changes involving chemicals.

The process by which some organisms make food using energy from chemical reactions, not sunlight. It is common in some bacteria and animals near deep-sea vents.

to value and protect something carefully because it is important to you.

Showing strong contrasts between light and dark. It describes an image, scene, or style that uses shadow and brightness for effect.

A way of using strong light and dark together in art to create depth and drama. It is often used in paintings, drawings, and photos.

A chill-out is a relaxed time or place where people can rest and feel calm. It is often used for music, rooms, or areas meant for easy conversation.

A thought experiment about artificial intelligence. It shows that a system can use symbols correctly without truly understanding their meaning.

To decide on one person, thing, or course of action from two or more possibilities. It often means making a deliberate decision after thinking.

To cut something into pieces with a quick, strong movement. It is often used for food, wood, or other hard materials.

To arrange the steps and movements for a dance, performance, or scene. It can also mean to plan and organize actions carefully.

The art of planning and arranging dance movements. It can also mean the set of dance movements in a performance.

Informal word for food. It is common in casual speech, especially in American English. It can sound playful or rough, so avoid it in formal writing.

A casual meal or eating session, especially one that feels relaxed, fun, or large. It is informal and often sounds playful.

Chromatic means relating to colour or using many colours. In music, it means using notes outside a simple scale.

A chromatogram is a chart, picture, or pattern made by chromatography. It shows how the parts of a mixture separate.

A scientific method used to separate the parts of a mixture. It works because different substances move at different speeds through another material.

A detailed record of events, in order of time.

Cinematic means related to films or the art of making films. It can also describe something that looks dramatic, visual, or like a movie.

To limit something or someone, especially by rules, boundaries, or conditions. It can also mean to draw a circle around something, but this is less common.

Avoid a problem or rule by using a clever method. The problem still exists, but you move around it.

Polite and respectful behavior toward others.

Done in secret, especially because it is not allowed or would not be approved. It usually suggests something hidden from authorities or the public on purpose.

make something clear or easier to understand

A clash of flavors is a combination of tastes that do not fit well together. The result can feel confusing or unpleasant in food or drink.

Classical means connected with the art, music, literature, or culture of ancient Greece and Rome. It can also mean traditional and established, especially in music.

A strong feeling of fear or discomfort in a very small, crowded, or closed space. It can also mean a general fear that feels tight, trapped, and hard to escape.

A small figure made from clay, often shaped by hand or for decoration. It can be a model of a person, animal, or object.

A pot made of clay, usually for cooking, storing water, or planting. It is often thick, heavy, and holds heat or coolness well.

Free from dirt, marks, or unwanted material. A clean place, object, or surface looks neat and fresh.

To eat all the food on your plate. It is often used as a rule or request, especially for children.

Easy to understand or see. Something clear is not confusing, hidden, or cloudy.

In a way that is easy to understand, see, or hear. It can also mean 'without doubt' or 'obviously'.

A phrase or idea used too often, so it feels unoriginal and boring.

To press or tap a mouse button, touch screen, or link so that a computer or phone opens something or chooses it.

A client is a person or company that uses the services of a professional person or business. It is common in business, law, design, and technology.

A visit to a client, usually for work. It means going to meet a customer or business contact in person.

A cliff is a very steep rock face, usually at the edge of land, sea, or a valley. It is too steep to walk up or down easily.

To move up something by using your hands and feet, or to go higher on a slope, stairs, or a mountain. It can also mean to rise gradually.

Connected with the study or treatment of patients. It is often used for hospitals, doctors, tests, and medical research.

A clone is a plant, animal, or cell that has the same genes as another one. It is made from one original, not by normal reproduction.

Not open, or shut so that you cannot go in, look inside, or pass through. It can also mean a place, shop, or business is not operating.

A cloud orchestration framework is software that helps manage and automate tasks across cloud systems. It coordinates tools, services, and resources so they work together smoothly.

Cloudy weather has many clouds and little sunshine. A cloudy liquid or glass is not clear enough to see through easily.

Too sweet, heavy, or sentimental in a way that starts to feel unpleasant. It can describe taste, smell, writing, or behavior.

To hold something tightly, usually because you are afraid, nervous, or in danger. It can also mean to grip and keep hold of something firmly.

In a way that shows a strong need to succeed or survive at the last moment. It is informal and often used in sports, games, and tense situations.

To change from a liquid into a thicker, partly solid mass, often because of heat, chemicals, or time.

To come together to form one united idea or group.

Coastal-upwelling is an oceanographic process where deep, cold, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface near the coast. This process usually happens when strong winds push surface water away from the shore, allowing deeper water to take its place.

To treat someone too gently or protect them too much. This can stop them from becoming independent or learning from mistakes.

Clear, logical, and convincing; it makes you agree because the reasoning is strong.

To think deeply and carefully about something. It is more formal than common words like "think" or "consider".

Aware; mindful; having knowledge.

Logical and consistent; easy to understand because the parts fit well together.

Having a low temperature, or feeling low in temperature. Cold weather, water, or food is not warm.

Sudden fear or doubt before doing something important, especially when you are about to marry, perform, or take a big risk. It is usually used in the phrase "get cold feet."

Work together with others to achieve a shared goal or result.

In a way that involves working together with other people. It describes shared effort, not working alone.

A collage is a picture made by sticking together pieces of paper, photos, fabric, or other materials. It can also mean an artwork made by combining different images.

a strong feeling of happiness shared by a group of people at the same time. It often happens after a win, success, or exciting event.

A pencil with a colored core used for drawing or colouring. It is usually sold with other pencils in a set.

Colorful means full of bright or varied colors. It can also describe something lively, interesting, or full of strong personality.

If you do something come rain or shine, you do it regularly no matter what happens. It shows strong commitment and reliability.

If something comes under the microscope, people look at it very closely and examine it in detail. It is often used for decisions, actions, or problems that may be criticized.

Comfort food is food that makes you feel calm, happy, or safe, especially when you are sad, stressed, or homesick.

If you feel comfortable, your body feels relaxed and at ease. It can also mean a situation is pleasant, safe, or easy to live or work in.

The practice or fact of eating together. It often means shared meals that build social bonds or community.

Connected with business, buying, or selling. It often means something is made to make money, not mainly for art or personal use.

In a way related to business, trade, or making money. It also means something is done so it can succeed in the market.

To show sympathy for someone who is unhappy or has a problem. It often means you share their sadness or pity their situation.

If something is common, it happens often, is found in many places, or is shared by many people. It can also mean ordinary, not special, or easy to find.

To travel regularly between home and work, or another place you go often. It often means a daily trip that takes time.

Small and arranged in a neat, tight way. A compact thing uses little space and often fits easily in a bag, room, or area.

A company is a business or organization that sells goods or services. It can be small or very large.

A company-policy is a rule or official guideline made by a company for its employees, customers, or work processes. It tells people what is allowed, expected, or not allowed.

Compassion is a feeling of caring when someone is suffering or in trouble. It often makes you want to help them.

Able to work, live, or exist well together without problems. Two things or people are compatible if they do not conflict and can fit together easily.

Making you pay attention because it is interesting or strong.

a feature, skill, price, or resource that helps a person, company, or product do better than others in a market or competition. It gives them a stronger position.

In a way that shows a strong desire to win or do better than others. It can also mean at a lower price, especially in business or sports.

Complacency is a feeling of quiet satisfaction that can make you stop trying to improve or notice danger. It often suggests too much confidence or a lack of concern.

Too pleased or satisfied with yourself or your situation, so that you stop trying to improve or fail to notice real problems. The word almost always carries a negative warning — complacency leads to failure.

If something is complex, it has many parts or is hard to understand. It is more difficult than something simple or easy.

The act of obeying official rules or standards.

To write a piece of music, poetry, or a formal text. It can also mean to create something by putting parts together.

The way different parts are arranged to form a whole. It can describe writing, music, art, or the makeup of something.

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Detailed and complete; leaving out very little.

A feeling of guilt or unease about doing something wrong. It is often used in the phrase 'without compunction,' meaning without feeling sorry.

Related to computers or to the use of computer methods to solve problems. It often describes work, models, or science that depend on calculation and programming.

A machine that stores, processes, and shows information. People use it for writing, browsing, coding, games, and many other tasks.

To admit something is true or accept an outcome, often after resisting.

Having the same center. Concentric circles, rings, or layers share one central point. It is often used in math, design, and science.

An abstract idea or general understanding of something. A concept is usually more developed and structured than a simple idea. It is often used in academic, scientific, or professional discussions.

Based on ideas or a general theory, not on real things you can touch or see. It often describes thinking, planning, or art that is about ideas rather than practical details.

A claim that something must be true because of the meaning of the words or ideas involved. It is used in philosophy, logic, and academic writing.

To form a clear idea of something in your mind. It means you understand or imagine a general idea before making it real or explaining it.

In a way that is about ideas, theory, or general principles, not practical details. It means thinking about the basic idea of something.

Short and clear, with no unnecessary words.

To bring something to an end in a deliberate, final way. This sense is common in formal or professional settings — meetings, speeches, reports, and events.

The state of happening at the same time. In computing, it means several tasks or processes run together and share time.

Happening or existing at the same time as something else. It describes events, processes, or activities that overlap in time rather than one following after the other.

A condiment is a sauce, spice, or seasoning added to food to improve its taste. It is usually served in a small amount with a meal.

To express sympathy for someone's grief or loss. It is formal and not common in everyday speech.

Helping something to develop or happen easily; supportive.

The way a person or group behaves, especially in a formal or professional setting. It usually implies a standard is being judged — either met or broken.

A sweet food, especially one made with sugar, chocolate, or fruit. It is often small, rich, or decorative.

Sweet foods such as sweets, chocolates, and other sugar-based treats. It can also mean a shop that sells these foods.

A feeling of trust in your own ability to do something well. It can also mean calm belief in success. This is the most common meaning in everyday English.

Feeling sure about yourself, your ability, or what will happen. A confident person usually seems calm and self-assured.

To keep someone or something within a limited space or area. It often means restricting movement so a person or thing cannot go beyond a certain boundary.

To say or show that something is true, correct, or definitely happening. You confirm a fact when you give proof or clear agreement.

A food, especially meat or fruit, that is cooked slowly and preserved in fat or sugar. In French cooking, it can also mean the method itself.

The meeting or joining of two or more things, especially rivers or ideas. It can also mean the point where they come together.

To behave in the way that most people in a group behave. It means fitting in with social rules, expectations, or cultural norms.

Confusion is a state where someone cannot think clearly or understand something well. It can also mean a mix-up or lack of order.

If a liquid congeals, it becomes thick and solid, often because it becomes cold. It can also mean a plan, idea, or group starts to form and become fixed.

An opinion or guess formed with some information, not certain proof.

Joined or linked to something else. It can describe things, people, or ideas that are not separate.

A connoisseur is a person who knows a lot about food, art, wine, or another subject. They can judge quality carefully because of their experience.

The knowledge and good judgment needed to judge art, food, wine, or other fine things well. It also means the skill of noticing small differences that others may miss.

Describes a person who takes their duties very seriously and tries hard to do everything correctly and completely. A conscientious person acts from a strong inner sense of what is right, not just to impress others.

Aware of what is happening around you or in your own mind. It can also mean awake, not sleeping.

General agreement or shared opinion within a group or society; formal collective acceptance of a view or decision after discussion and accommodation of differing positions or concerns.

Happening as a direct result of something else. It shows that one thing caused the other — not just that one thing came after the other.

The protection and careful use of natural resources, wildlife, or old buildings. It means stopping damage and keeping something in good condition for the future.

Used as 'consist of': to be made up of specific parts, people, or things. It describes the complete makeup of something — nothing is left out.

In a way that does not change much over time. It means doing something regularly, steadily, or with the same result again and again.

To make something stronger, more stable, or more effective by joining parts together. It can also mean to make power, control, or support more secure.

A clear, strongly flavoured soup made by simmering meat or vegetables and then straining it. It is usually served hot, often as a starter.

Easy to see or notice; very obvious.

Happening all the time, without stopping or pausing. If something is constant, it does not take breaks or have gaps.

A feeling of sudden worry, shock, or alarm, especially because something unexpected has happened. It often shows that people are upset and do not know what to do next.

To understand or explain the meaning of words, actions, or events in a particular way. It is often used in formal writing, especially when meaning is not completely clear.

To eat or drink something, especially in a large amount. This use is more formal than 'eat' or 'drink' and is common in academic and official writing.

A consumer is a person who buys and uses goods or services. In business and economics, it can also mean the people who use a product, even if they did not buy it themselves.

The act of using up food, energy, goods, or resources. It often describes how much people or systems use in a period of time.

To put something into a container or make it into a container unit. In business and shipping, it often means to pack goods for transport in standard containers.

Think deeply about something, usually before making a decision or judgment.

Belonging to the present time; happening or existing now. This sense is very common in academic and IELTS writing.

to assert or maintain an opinion; to compete or fight against something or someone.

Feeling happy and satisfied with what you have. A content person does not want more things or change.

a strong disagreement or the topic people disagree about.

The conditions, events, or facts that surround something and help you understand it better. Without context, a situation can seem confusing or misleading.

A possible event or situation that may happen in the future, especially one that is uncertain. It is often something you plan for or prepare for.

Possible but not certain; dependent on a condition, or a group of people temporarily assembled.

The shape or outline of something, especially the edges that show its form. It can also mean the shape of land or a surface.

A formal written agreement between people or groups. It lists what each side must do.

Contractual means connected with a contract. It describes duties, rights, or payments that are agreed in a written or spoken contract.

In a way that is required or allowed by a contract. It means something is written into an agreement, so people must follow it.

To say or claim the opposite of what someone else has said. If you contradict a person, you tell them their statement is wrong by saying something that directly goes against it.

A pose in art where the body rests on one leg, with the hips and shoulders turned in different directions. It makes the figure look relaxed and natural.

A strong, public disagreement about something that involves many people with opposing views. It usually continues over a period of time and often appears in the news or in public discussion.

To recover health and strength after an illness, injury, or operation. It usually describes a slow, restful recovery.

The movement of heat or another fluid through a liquid or gas. Warm parts rise, and cooler parts sink or move in their place.

To officially call people together for a meeting or formal gathering. It can also mean for a group to come together for an official purpose.

Easy to use, do, or reach. A convenient thing saves time, effort, or trouble.

To move or come together from different directions toward the same point or place. Lines, paths, rivers, or people can all converge.

The process of moving closer together or meeting at one point. It can describe people, lines, ideas, or trends.

Used to introduce a statement that is the direct opposite or reverse of what was just said. It shows that two things have a mirror relationship — if one is true, the opposite is also true in the other direction.

To change something from one form, purpose, or system into a different one. The original thing still exists but now works differently or serves a new function.

Friendly, cheerful, and sociable behaviour or atmosphere. It often suggests people are relaxed, talkative, and enjoying each other’s company.

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To prepare food by heating it. You can cook at home, in a restaurant, or on a fire.

Fairly cold, or not warm. It can also mean keeping calm and not showing strong emotion.

To organize different people, tasks, or activities so they work together smoothly and at the right time. You use this word when several parts need to connect and align, not just be arranged.

To deal with something difficult or stressful without being overwhelmed. It often suggests real effort — you are managing, but it is not easy.

Very large in quantity; abundant.

Connected with a company or large business. It often describes things owned, controlled, or done by a company.

The system of rules, practices, and people that control and direct a company. It covers how a company is run, how decisions are made, and how leaders are checked.

Communication by letters, emails, or messages. It is often used for formal or official communication.

to give support or proof to something, making it more believable.

A strong feeling of envy that slowly harms your thoughts, mood, or relationships. It is not just wanting what someone has; it keeps hurting you over time.

The other person or company in a contract, deal, or financial agreement. It is a formal word used in business, law, and finance.

A contrasting thing, fact, or idea that highlights another. Writers and speakers use it to show a clear difference between two sides.

Courage is the ability to face fear, pain, danger, or difficulty without giving up. It is also the strong feeling that helps you do something brave.

Showing good manners and respect for other people. A courteous person is polite, careful, and pleasant in social situations.

A funny person or thing. People often use it informally for someone who makes others laugh. It can also mean a very amusing event or story.

In a cracked or rough voice. It describes speech that sounds broken, dry, or strained.

Craftsmanship is the skill and care shown in making something well. It often refers to quality in work made by hand, but it can also mean high skill in any job.

A person who searches through old records, boxes, or crates to find valuable or interesting items. It often suggests patient, careful searching, especially for forgotten music, books, or collectibles.

Craveable describes something that makes you strongly want it, especially food, a product, or a feeling. It suggests a strong, appealing desire.

Creamy means like cream in texture, colour, or taste. It can describe food that is smooth, rich, and soft, or a pale off-white colour.

A risotto made with rice, mushrooms, cream, and often cheese. It is rich, soft, and usually served as a main dish.

To make something new, or bring something into existence. It is often used for ideas, art, plans, products, or systems.

Creative means having the ability to make new ideas, things, or solutions. It can also describe someone who uses imagination in art, writing, or problem-solving.

Belief that something is true or real.

A creek is a small stream or narrow inlet of water. In North American English, it usually means a small natural stream. In some other varieties, it can also mean a narrow arm of the sea.

To pull your body back slightly because of pain, fear, or embarrassment. You also cringe when something makes you feel deep discomfort or awkwardness, even without moving.

Firm, dry, and easily broken or bitten. It often describes food, leaves, or cold air. It can also mean clear and clean in sound or appearance.

Used to describe food with a firm, crunchy brown outer layer. It often suggests good baking or frying and an appealing texture.

A standard or rule that you use to judge or decide something. When you evaluate options or make a choice, a criterion is the specific condition that something must meet.

to reach a point after which something cannot be stopped or reversed. It is often used in science, business, or serious discussion.

Something that many people like quickly and easily, especially a film, song, book, or performance. It is made to please a large audience.

Extremely important in a way that affects the result of something. A crucial thing is not just important — it is the key factor that decides success or failure.

Crumbly food or material breaks easily into small pieces. It is dry, soft, or not strongly held together.

A salad topped with feta cheese that is broken into small, soft pieces. It usually has a fresh, salty taste and may include vegetables, herbs, or grains.

To crush or squeeze something so it makes a hard, sharp sound. It can also mean to bite or chew something hard and noisy.

Crumpy food is hard and makes a short, loud sound when you bite or press it. It is often fresh, well-baked, or fried.

to have romantic feelings for someone, especially for a short time and without telling them. It is usually used in the phrase “have a crush on someone.”

Having a hard, dry, or rough outer layer like a crust. It can describe bread, soil, skin, or food cooked until the outside is crisp.

The study of how very low temperatures affect living things. It is used in biology, medicine, and food preservation.

Cryogenic means relating to very low temperatures, especially temperatures used to freeze or store materials. It is often used in science, medicine, and industry.

The process of creating, storing, sharing, using, and protecting encryption keys. It helps keep digital information secure.

The study and practice of hiding information so only the right people can read it. It is used to protect messages, passwords, and online data.

Clear, bright, and shining like crystal. It can also mean very pure, precise, or easy to understand.

The scientific study of crystals and their internal structure. It looks at how atoms are arranged inside solids.

Related to cubism, a style of art that shows people or objects in simple shapes from more than one angle.

Cuisine is a style of cooking, especially one linked to a country, region, or culture. It can also mean the food served in a restaurant or a place.

To reach a final point or peak after a process.

to slowly build a friendly, comfortable, and trusting relationship with someone. It is often used in formal, academic, or business contexts.

Connected with the ideas, customs, art, and way of life of a society or group. It often describes things that are shared by people in a community.

Cultural heritage is the traditions, buildings, objects, and practices passed down from earlier generations. It can include language, festivals, art, food, and historic places.

Select and organize items for an exhibition or media; choose carefully for quality and fit. The word focuses on careful, intentional selection and presentation.

A curator is a person who manages a museum, gallery, or collection. They choose, arrange, and look after items or exhibits.

The guiding idea behind how a person selects, arranges, and presents art, objects, or content. It is the clear style or judgment that shapes the final collection or display.

The job or position of a curator, especially in a museum, gallery, or collection. It can also mean the work of choosing, organising, and presenting items for public viewing.

A strong desire to know or learn something. It can also mean a person, thing, or idea that is unusual or interesting.

Happening now or existing now. Use it for the present time, not the past or future.

To reduce something by limiting it or making it shorter. It often suggests an official or deliberate action.

Something customary is usual in a particular place, group, or situation. It is what people normally do, not something special or surprising.

A customer is a person who buys goods or services from a shop, company, or person. In business, it can also mean someone who regularly uses a service.

The help and support a company gives to people who buy its products or use its services. It includes answering questions, solving problems, and handling complaints.

to break or divide something with a sharp tool, knife, or similar object. It can also mean to make a hole, shape, or opening by removing material.

To do something in a quick, cheap, or easy way by skipping important steps. It usually results in lower quality, safety risks, or mistakes.

Very modern and advanced, especially in technology, science, or design. It describes something that is newer or more advanced than most others.

The protection of computers, networks, and data from attacks, theft, or damage. It also includes the tools and practices used to keep digital systems safe.

Believing people act only for selfish reasons; distrustful of others' motives.

A person or thing that attracts all attention. It is often used in formal writing or praise. The word suggests strong interest and admiration.

The final stage of cell division when one cell splits into two separate cells. In animals, the cell membrane pinches in. In plants, a new wall forms between the two cells.